Moscow: Over 40 heavily-armed Chechen rebels holding 500-800 people hostage inside the Soviet-era Palace of Culture turned into the venue for Russia's first multi- million Dollar musical, have sought a "large sum" in addition to the demand for the complete pullout of Russian troops from Chechnya.

The rebels have since October 23 night released 180 hostages, including 24 children and two pregnant women and are planning to release the foreign citizens among the 500-800 captives detained inside the theatre.

According to Moscow Police Department spokesman Vallery Gribakin, the gunmen are demanding a "large sum" in addition to the demand for the complete pullout of Russian troops from Chechnya.

However, quoting inter-services operational headquarter "Interfax", the pro-Moscow Chechen MP Aslanbek Aslakhanov, who is negotiating with the gunmen, was told by them over mobile phone that they are "shahids" and have no option but to "do or die".

However, later the talks broke down because the numbers given by the gunmen were not answering.

Meanwhile, ITAR-TASS reported that the authorities are mulling over guarantees, which could be given to the gunmen in exchange for the safe release of the hostages.

PTI