Kandhar, Jan 29: Calling on the religious leaders to condemn the kidnapping a US woman, hundreds of women on Tuesday protested against the abduction of the burqa-clad American aid worker and her driver from a residential area of southern Afghanistan.

At least 500 women were gathered in an auditorium in Kandhar for the demonstration that was organised by the city's women's association.

“We call on Kandhar religious council to condemn this act and encourage the public to help, call on the abductors to release her without any harm or conditions,” demonstrators said in a resolution passed during their meeting.

They also called on tribal elders and the youth to "help find and release" 49-year-old Cyd Mizell, The News reported.

“We strongly condemn the abduction of a foreign women who was working for people and women of Kandhar,” the resolution said.

Kandhar Police on Sunday started hunt for the abductors the aid worker and her driver.

Gunmen had kidnapped the woman and her driver while they were driving through a residential area of southern Afghanistan’s largest city early on Saturday.

It may be recalled that several people from the Western countries, including two German construction workers and two Italian journalists were kidnapped last year. (ANI)