Islamabad: The Pakistani Taliban today released 13 security personnel and government employees they had kidnapped some time ago from the restive Darra Adam Khel area in the North West Frontier Province.

The abducted people were released following talks between tribal elders and the Taliban.

Among those who were released were eight paramilitary Frontier Constabulary personnel, two police recruits and two employees of the Kohat tunnel, a strategic link between NWPF capital Peshawar and southern parts of the province.

However, senior government official Siraj Ahmed said over 30 security personnel and government employees were still being held by the Taliban.

He said the militants had kidnapped 30 police recruits from Aurakzai Agency last month and several Frontier Constabulary personnel.

The Taliban have said they will release the other abducted people only after the government frees more than 100 detained militants.
Source : PTI