Police rescue foreign woman held hostage by tribals

Kannur, Kerala, Aug 25 (UNI) The police today rescused a Netherland woman and her Malayalee guide, who were held hostage in a hotel room at Iritty in the district by activists of the Adivasi Vimochana Munnani and the Janakiya Vimochana Munnani.

The woman, identified as Louisa (30), a research student, and her guide Ambika from Kozhikode, were held hostage and manhandled by the activists alleging that the foreigner indulged in spying activities, Superintendent of Police Mathew Polycarp told UNI.

Mr Polycarp said Ms Louisa had reported at the concerned police station that her arrival in the district was in connection with a research on tribals.

She reached Iritty on August 21 after completing her work in Wayanad. She had also visited the Aralam farm and collected materials about the tribals living there, the SP said.

The police arrested 14 Adivasi activists and registered a case against them.

The arrested, including a few women, were produced before a magistrate court in Mattannur.

UNI AK/CGV1650