BAJAUR, May 28: A 24-member delegation of Afghan refugees, proceeding to Jalalabad from the Bajaur tribal agency to participate in the election of members to the traditional Loya Jirga, was taken hostage by the supporters of Nangarhar province administration between Kunar and Jalalabad, sources said.

The Loya Jirga is to be convened by the Afghan interim government in June to form a new interim government for two years.

The sources said that the 24 detained Afghans, who have been living the life of refugees in the Pakistan’s tribal area, are suspected to have links with the Al Qaeda orgnization.

Their elders have demanded their unconditional release.