FARAH (PAJHWOK): The militants have set free seven persons, including five school students, they kidnapped last week in western Farah province, an official said Sunday.
Abdul Rahim Haidari, administrative chief of Pashtoonkot district, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Taliban had kidnapped some seven persons when security forces arrested a person associated with militants last week. 
He said one of the released men was teacher while the rests were students of Shuhadai Gumnam High School. The released persons, he said were the residents of Duzdbad and Kazimabad villages.
He said local elders played hectic role to ensure the release of the detained persons. Muhammad, a resident of the locality, said the detainees were the relatives of Humayun, police chief of Pashtoonkot district.
Last week, he said Humayun arrested a leading militant, which prompted Taliban to abduct seven persons in retaliation.
However, Taliban have not yet commented on the issue.
sam/rm