Kochi, Sept. 15 -- An Indian travel vlogger, Arunima, who claimed to have been detained by unknown gunmen while travelling through Afghanistan, is now safe and was released after being held for several hours.

Arunima said that she arrived in Bamyan around 7:00 PM after hitchhiking on a truck. Upon arrival after dark, local residents and authorities approached her, noting that women are not permitted to travel alone at night under local rules. After checking her passport and visa, officials requested her travel permit.

Arunima explained that she had previously attempted to obtain a permit in Jalalabad, but authorities refused to issue one because she was travelling without a male companion (mahram) or an official guide. To navigate earli...