New Delhi, Apr 24 - Parliament today voiced concern over the abduction of Collector Alex Paul Menon by Maoists in Chhattisgarh with CPI, AIADMK, DMK and Congress members seeking "meaningful steps" for his release.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, D Raja (CPI) said the incident has haunted the conscience of the nation.

In the Lok Sabha, the issue was raised by AIADMK leader M Thambidurai, who said that the Centre should come out with a strategy to tackle the Maoist problem. He said the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the Collector's abduction.

T R Baalu (DMK) wanted the state and central governments to take steps to bring back the Collector. S S Ramsubbu (Cong) supported the demand.

In the Rajya Sabha, Raja condemned the incident and urged the Maoists to release Menon without any further delay and pre-conditions.

"I urge the Centre and state to take meaningful steps to get him released...Menon is one of the courageous, committed and dedicated bureaucrats....I condemn the abduction. It's a great agonising and traumatic experience for his family members," he said.

Raja also expressed concern over the Maoists adopting such a "disastrous" method and pointed out to the recent abduction of an MLA in Odisha.

Terming the incident as a "serious issue", he urged the Government to engage political parties to initiate meaningful dialogue and talks to get the bureaucrat released instead of pushing more forces in the areas affected by Maoists.

V Maitreyan (AIADMK) strongly urged the Centre to coordinate with the state government to ensure that the officer is released. He pointed out that Menon, who was posted in Chhattisgarh, belonged to Tamil Nadu and his family members were worried over his abduction. T Siva (DMK) also supported the demand. PTI