Date:13/12/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/12/13/stories/2003121304510400.htm

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

Vajpayee informed of Nellore youths' kidnap

By Our Staff Reporter

NELLORE DEC. 12. The issue of two youngsters belonging to Nellore district, who were kidnapped by Taliban militia in Kabul last week, has been brought to the notice of the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the Minister for External Affairs, Yeshwant Sinha, by the Nellore MP, V. Rajeswaramma, and the leader of the TDP Parliamentary group, Yerran Naidu. According to the MP, both the leaders assured them that necessary steps would be taken to get the two youths released from captivity.

The Central Government is reportedly in constant touch with the authorities concerned. Meanwhile, the former MLA of Atmakur and an associate of the construction company at Kabul, B. Krishnama Naidu, informed that as per the latest information received, the two kidnapped persons were safe and there was no need for alarm.

He said he would proceed to Kabul on Monday to be present for the inauguration of the first phase of the road work on December 16.

He said that he also intends to contact the Afghan Government, through Home Ministry sources. However, the anxiety for the families of the two employees--Murali and Varadaiah--continues and their agony would end only when the two are safely released.