India frees Nepali Maoist leaders

Chandra Prakash Gajurel and Mohan Baidya -- both of whom are close to Maoist supremo Prachanda -- were freed from Jalpaiguri central jail, 600 km north of Kolkata, as part of peace moves between Nepal's coalition government and the guerrillas.

"We have released thirteen (Maoist) activists, including Nepali Maoist leaders," Debasis Mukhopadhayay, jail superintendent told Reuters. The others freed were Maoists of Indian nationality.

Officials in West Bengal said the state government had ordered their release, citing a recent peace agreement between Nepal's government and the rebels.

The two leaders were believed to be returning to Nepal.

Their lawyer said they had been arrested in 2004 on charges of helping to organise Maoist fighters in India, engaged in what the rebels say is a fight on behalf of poor labourers and landless peasants.