The opposition in Tajikistan says gunmen have released the family of one of its commanders, Ali Pir-Muhammad, known as Ali the Boxer.

It said Mr Pir-Muhammad's wife, mother and baby son were left near the railway station in Dushanbe early on Wednesday.

The kidnappers, who abducted the family more than a week ago, had demanded the release of several fighters from the government side.

Mr Pir-Muhammad was away at the time at a registration centre for opposition fighters, in line with the United Nations' backed peace plan.

Correspondents say the incident may do little to reassure other commanders who are already dubious about the plan.