Maoists abduct over 1,000 youths

Maoists rebels have abducted more than 1,000 youths from 60 villages in western Nepal and are forcing them to undergo training in guerrilla activities, an official said Monday.
The abductions occurred at the weekend when rebels went from village to village in the Achham district rounding up males and females aged between 15 and 25 years, a village development committee (VDC) chief said.
The youths have been taken to undisclosed rebel bases in remote parts of Achham and surrounding districts, he said.
The captives have been divided into five platoons, each comprising 200 youths, who will be trained separately, said the chief, who did want to be identified.