A group of Maoists burned down a passenger bus belonging to Sajha Yatayat in Naya Pul area at the border area between Kaski and Parbat districts on Tuesday.

The Maoists forced the passengers to come out of the bus before setting it ablaze, a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said Wednesday.

The bus was on its way to Myagdi from Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, the Maoists have abducted 15 civilians from Num area in Nuwakot district. The ministry statement said the whereabouts of the civilians who were abducted on 29 January remain still unknown.