THE Foreign Office today responded to public concern about the fate of student hostage Paul Wells.

Lancashire Evening Telegraph readers wrote to the Indian, Pakistani and British authorities on the second anniversary of Paul's captivity in Jammu Kashmir.

There has been little news of Paul, of Bracken Close, Feniscowles, Blackburn, since his capture in July 1995.

In an open letter to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Tony Lloyd MP, a minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said he had the "greatest sympathy and respect" for Paul's parents Bob and Dianne.

He added: "I deal with counter-terrorism policy at the Foreign Office and I follow developments in this tragic case very closely.

"As a direct result of your appeal, the Foreign Office has received many letters urging us not to forget the plight of Paul Wells, Keith Mangan and the other Kashmir kidnap victims."

Mr Lloyd said the Government was working hard to discover what happened to Paul and Keith.

He added: "We share your immense frustration at the lack of reliable information, We have had no proof since late 1995 that the victims of this terrible crime are still alive.

"We are committed to discovering the truth, and are doing all we can to ensure that any leads are followed up vigorously."

The MP said the ordeal had placed an enormous strain on the families of the hostages who are in weekly contact with officials.

He added: "My colleague, Liz Symons, has met them to hear their experiences at first hand and to reaffirm that the Government is committed to resolving the case.

"Those efforts continue. Meanwhile, your readers' strong support for the families does them much credit."

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