Security forces in Nepal are on high alert after the government vowed to take strong action against Maoist rebels who staged one of the deadliest attacks ever in the Himalayan kingdom.

The insurgents killed at least 133 people in a series of attacks that began late Saturday and went on for several hours in the far western Accham district. Most of the victims were policemen and soldiers. Authorities say rebels also suffered heavy casualties in the fighting, before they fled into the countryside.

The Nepalese cabinet met in emergency session late Sunday in Kathmandu to discuss the situation. Afterwards, officials vowed to take strong action, and reinforcements were sent to the remote area 600 kilometers west of the capital to hunt down the rebels.

Scuffles broke out in parliament Monday as lawmakers debated whether to extend a state of emergency for another three months.

Opposition members who blame the government for the latest outbreak of violence called on Prime Minister Sher Bhadur Deuba to resign. Still, observers expect the government to win a two-thirds majority vote later this week to extend the state of emergency, which was first declared when peace talks with Maoist rebels broke down in November.

Maoists have been fighting since 1996 to overthrow the constitutional monarchy and establish a communist republic in Nepal.

More than 2,400 people have died in the violence. At least 600 people, mostly rebels, have been killed since peace talks broke off. Authorities in Nepal estimate there are 3,000-4,000 Maoist rebels.

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