Expressing concern over the wellbeing of Himachali youths abducted in Iraq by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh assured to take all possible steps for their safe evacuations.

Chief minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday admitted that the government has so far learnt that about eight persons hailing from different parts of Himachal Pradesh have gone missing in Iraq. He said

I am pained to know about the abduction of Indians by the Sunni militant group in Mosul town of Iraq and will take up the matter strongly with the Union Government and the concerned Ministry

Chief Minister said that the issue would also be taken up with the Iraqi government regarding the release of Himachali people through Ministry of External Affairs, GOI.

Virbhadra Singh said that the state government was trying to get as much information as possible about the kidnapped Indian nationals and particularly the people from Himachal from all concerned agencies.

He said that it was unfortunate that the militancy has paralyzed the lives of people and the people were forced to live under threat. Chief Minister said that the militancy should be strictly dealt and curbed, as no Nation can prosper and develop where people always have to live under the shadow of guns and fear.

Chief Minister assured that the State Government would austerely make efforts for getting the Himachali people released.