Phidim, January 9:

Three civilians of Panchthar, including a ten-year-old boy, abducted by the Maoists and the then Royal Nepal Army during the insurgency period have still gone missing.

Nishan Rai, a 10-year-old son of Yam Bahadur Rai of Arubote-2, Yam Bahadur’s 22-year-old daughter Sujata Rai and Padam Rai, 18-year-old son of Devi Prasad Rai of Prangbung VDC-5 have never come into contact since they were abducted, said the family members.

The Maoists had abducted Nishan and his sister Sujata from their home on March 20, 2005. Father Yam Bahadur Rai said they were taken away, assuring that they will be freed soon. He urged the district-based security bodies, human rights activists and media persons for securing his children’s safe return.

Also, 18-year-old Padam Rai from Prangbung, the northern part of the district, who was abducted by the then Royal Nepal Army from Phidim on November 7, 2004, is missing since then.

Assistant CDO Ram Mani Pokharel said they have a record that Padam Rai was held, but his whereabouts are unknown.