29 January 2005	Saturday	18 Zilhaj 1425

SHIKARPUR, Jan 28: Two kidnapped judges, Abdul Wahab Abbasi and Farooq Ahmed Channa, were freed on Friday. Mr Abbasi and Mr Channa were kidnapped from Shikarpur district some 57 days back while on their way to Shikarpur from Larkana.

The Regional Police Officer of Sukkur region, Tariq Saleem Lone, speaking at a press conference held here in the evening, claimed the recovery of Mr Abbasi was not an outcome of any deal.

The police officer also claimed that Mr Channa would also be freed within few hours. He said that Shamu Jatoi, Khadim Lolai, Abdul Hameed Kharos, Mirza Kharos, Esso Shar, Illahi Bux Rind, Amanullah Tunio and Ahmed Jatoi were involved in the kidnapping.

Replying to a question, he confirmed that the judges were not shifted to Balochistan but they remained in the custody of kidnappers in kutcha area of Larkana district and adjoining areas.

The freed judge, Abdul Wahab Abbasi, on the occasion told newsmen that he and Mr Channa were kept together in kutcha areas of Madeji and were shifted to various places.

He said Mr Channa was separated from him some eight days back. He said the kidnapers gave him good news about his release and said that he would meet Mr Channa on the way on Friday.

OUR SUKKUR CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Sources claimed that relatives of Mr Abbasi had paid ransom and the deal was finalized through an inmate of the Sukkur prison, Bagoo Jatoi.

Additional and Sessions Judge Farooq Ahmed Channa was also freed late Friday in Golo Daro area, Shikarpur district. Sukkur RPO Tariq Saleem Lone claimed that Mr Channa was recovered from Golo Daro area and was being shifted to Shikarpur under tight security.

Thousands of people gave a warm welcome to Mr Abbasi when he reached his home town Ghotki, under tight security. Mr Abbasi looked weak and his feet were bandaged.

OUR LARKANA CORRESPONDENT ADDS: A police officer told Dawn, on condition of anonymity, that the kidnapped judge looking 'feeble' said that he had been forced to walk for 50 kilometres.

Early on Friday a villager near the 'Akil ferry point' noticed the legs of a man in heaps of straw. On removing straws he found a man, the police officer said. He told the villager that he was a judge, who was kidnapped from Shikarpur.