A total of 103 students, faculty members and their family members from Loikaw University, Kayah State detained by Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and People Defence Force (PDF), were released, said Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the State Administration Council (SAC).

Among the students, faculty members and their family members who were detained by KNPP and PDF, 103 of them were released and arrived in Tanuggyi on November 24, said Major General Zaw Min Tun.

"Among the students, faculty members and their family members who was arrested and taken away, 103 of them have returned to Tanuggyi. Yesterday night, they had been transferred in the area controlled by Pa-O National Organisation (PNO) militia. Military officials also went there to welcome them and they were arrived back in Taunggyi today," said Major General Zaw Min Tun.

The KNPP and PDF attacked universities and schools which are not the military targets and teachers, students and family members were taken as hostages. On this issue, organizations and individuals across Myanmar have made objections, Major-General Zaw Min Tun said.

Major General Zaw Min Tun said, "They were freed as people protested it. There are still about 100 of them left in their hand as hostages. We will continue to make efforts to free them."

He said that the people need to oppose the attack on non-military targets, taking people who are not related to the military as hostages and destruction of the public interest.