Kabul: Taliban rebels have released two Indian construction workers who were alleged to have been kidnapped three weeks ago in southern Zabul province of Afghanistan.

"The engineers have been freed", said a senior Interior Ministry official today (Dec 24, 2003).

"After being released, they're on the way and they will be handed over to the Indian Ambassador,'' said sources.

Indian Embassy officials were not available for further information.

On Dec 22, 2003 Taliban rebels had claimed through a letter demanding release of 50 prisoners in return to the release of the construction workers.