Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Ng Bijoy Singh and registrar R K Ranjan, who were abducted on December 13, were released early Saturday morning with bullet injuries on the legs, official sources were quoted as saying in Imphal.

The duo was admitted to Regional Institute of Medical Science Hospital at around 1 am with bullet wounds on the left leg and are now out of danger.

Meanwhile, Kanglei Yawol Kannlup militant outfit claimed responsibility for the abduction, saying Singh and Ranjan had not followed rules in the appointment of the director of Audio Visual Research Centre.

A person claiming to be a KYKL spokesman informed local media organisations that the officials were 'punished' as
part of the outfit's 'Operation Kangleipak', which is aimed at 'cleansing' the educational system.

Following the release of Singh and Ranjan, University officials and students have called off their 'cease work' agitation.