Imphal, February 18: It is now official.

After much conflicting and contrasting reports pouring in from different agencies, it has been established that the Independent candidate from Tamenglong AC, Khanthuanang Panmei who was abducted by NSCN (IM) cadres yesterday morning was released today at about 7 pm at a place called Kabonron, a hamlet located about 7 kms from Tamei sub-division in Tamenglong district.

The release was secured after the authorities of 57 Mountain Division responded to the call of the people and acted promptly, informed the PRO of PIB (Defence Wing), Rajesh Misra when contacted by The Sangai Express late today evening.

Though the candidate has been released he was yet to reach his home town at Tamenglong district Hqs till the time of filing this report late in the evening.

Interestingly, Kabonron, where the abducted candidate was released is home to a column of the 35 Assam Rifles.

Earlier in the day, the district administration and family members, when contacted had maintained that Khanthuanang Pamei was yet to be released.

A well placed source in the district administration informed that the abducted candidate was handed over to a high ranking officer of the 35 Assam Rifles at Kabonron village today at about 7 pm.

Though the report of the release of the candidate has been made official, it is still not known whether the arms seized by the militants have been returned or not.

�Nothing is known right now,� said a source, while another said that it is just a matter of giving some time to the rebel group.

According to another informed source, the abducted candidate was handed over to an officer the 35 AR by a Kilonser of the NSCN (IM) who was accompanied by some high ranking cadres of the outfit.

The PIB Defence Wing PRO, said that the abducted candidate has been handed over to some social organisations of Tamenglong but till the time of filing this report, there is no report that he has reached home.