Itanagar, Feb 6 : The rebel National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) has reportedly abducted 39 youths from Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district.

State Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu was quoted as saying that the youths were kidnapped on January 21 and taken to NSCN (K) hideouts and training camps in Myanmar.

Khandu appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to secure the early release of the kidnapped persons.

“It is a matter of grave concern that despite district being declared ‘disturbed’ under Armed Forces Special Power Act, the militants are carrying out their illegal activities with impunity,” he said.

Khandu also spoke to National Security Adviser (NSA) M K Narayanan and Major General Jitender Singh, GOC 2nd division in Tinsukia.

As the issue is internationalised, Khandu said that unless the Myanmar Government drove the outfit out of their territory the return of kidnapped youths should be considered bleak. (ANI)