Aizawl, Nov 20: Police today secured the release of three candidates contesting the assembly polls from Mizoram-Manipur border constituency of Suangpuilawn, who were abducted by the militants, police said. Police sources told that the abducted candidates -- sitting MLA H Laltanpuia of the Mizoram People's Conference (MPC), Vaninmawia of the ruling Mizo National front (MNF) and Dr Ngurdingliana of the Congress -- were released early today and brought to Saitual Police Station.

They were being brought to Aizawl under heavy police escort, the police officials said, adding details of the abduction would be known after thorough investigations. Combing operation was launched under the command of John Neihlaia, commandant of the first battalion of the Mizoram armed police, to secure their release.

The candidates were kidnapped yesterday by suspected militants belonging to Manipur's Hmar Peoples's Convention Democrats (HPCC-D).

Bureau Report