Maoists have abducted over 2,000 people, most of them students and school teachers from remote villages in western Nepal, during the last seven days, security sources said.

The rebels have kidnapped more than 2,000 students and teachers of 30 schools situated in different villages of Achham, 700 km west of Kathmandu, including Yalsa, Bayalpata, Barala, Dhaku, Binayak, Durmakada and Hirma, they said.

This is the largest Maoist operation since they declared ceasefire on September 3.

The rebels have taken them to an unknown destination to indoctrinate them into their philosophy, leading daily The Kathmandu Post said quoting local eye-witnesses.

Meanwhile, Royal Nepalese Army has said Maoists have abducted more than 100 people, including students above class seven from Khalanga area of Jajarkot district and Jaimkasala area of Rolpa district.

The victims' families have appealed to human rights activists and journalists to take steps for the abductees' safe release.

The Maoists exploded an improvised explosive device on the premises of High Dam Project Office in Dharan of Sunsari district, the army said.