New Delhi, July 25 (IANS): The Lok Sabha on Monday expressed concern over the disappearance of the Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft which went missing on Friday with 29 people on board.

"The whole country and the entire house is concerned over the missing IAF aircraft. An intensive search and rescue operation is going on," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anant Kumar informed the House.

Earlier, raising the matter during Zero Hour Congress leader of the House Mallikarjun Kharge sought a status report on the missing aircraft by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was not present in the House.

"It's a very serious matter and I expect the government to respond in this matter," Kharge said.

"The aircraft is missing for the last four days and there has been no trace of it. The family members of those on board are worried. The House must know: What went wrong and what steps are being taken by the government," Kharge said.

The aircraft had not been found until Monday despite an intensive search and rescue operation, called 'Operation Talash'.