The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has facilitated the release and safe return of 2 policemen, 1 member of the community service and 1 civilian abducted by the CPN (Maoist).

A press statement issued by the ICRC informed that the 4 men, 3 from Makwanpur and 1 from Sindhuli district, had been captured in Biruwakuti, Parsa district, on 29 March 2006.

The press statement further said the release operation took place in Kalbi, Bara district.

“In the past, the ICRC was instrumental in the release of 205 members of the security forces and the civil service. The last release operation took place in February 2006 when 9 civilians were handed over to the Chief Justice of Dhankuta,” the statement added.

The ICRC has been working with the parties to the conflict in Nepal since 1998 as an impartial, neutral and independent humanitarian organization, whose purpose is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence, the statement further said. nepalnews.com pb Apr 27 06