LIMA. May 4: Clashes be tween government troops and leftist rebels in the Jungles of Central Peru have left about 38 people dead. Peruvian media said Friday, reports AFP

The reports said the clashes between the army and the Sendero Luminoso gueril las started April 22 In the Rio Ene valley.

The government believes Sendero Luminoso leader Oscar Ramirez Durand, known as Feliciano. Is hiding in the jungle area. Durand la the only surviving member of the lead ership of the Maoist group who has not been caught by the au thoritiea

The daily Olo said about 30 rebels were killed during the clashes. Including some killed by their own companions so they would not l»e captured alive

Eight soldiers were also re-Krted among those killed in * continuing clashes