KATHMANDU, Aug 20: Security was tight in Kathmandu on Tuesday as foreign ministers from South Asia arrived for a regional conference.

The seven-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meeting is being held here even though the government is fighting a Maoist rebellion that has left some 4,300 people dead since 1996.

Fighting takes place mainly in rural areas of the country, but the rebels have planted several bombs in Kathmandu in the past few months, including one last week at a college that injured six people.

Hundreds of soldiers in battle fatigues and police officials patrolled the streets.

Officials said security was particularly high around the hotels where the foreign delegations were staying.

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and the Maldives arrived during the day.

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is also foreign minister, will inaugurate the two-day 23rd SAARC Council of Ministers’ meeting on Wednesday.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando was due to attend but cancelled his visit at the last minute because of a crucial parliamentary vote at home.

Fernando’s deputy, Lal Gamage, is expected to travel to Kathmandu on Thursday to make a token appearance. —AFP