HERAT, Afghanistan, June 10 (Xinhua) -- As many as 38 militants affiliated with the Taliban group have been released from jail in Afghanistan's western Herat province, said Jailani Farhad, the provincial governor's spokesman on Monday.

The inmates are part of some 900 Taliban detainees held in government jails, the official said,

The Afghan president announced the release of about 900 Taliban detainees last week as a good gesture to encourage Taliban militants to hold dialogue with the government to find a negotiated settlement to the country's lingering crisis.

Taliban outfit who has refused to hold direct talks with the government has yet to show any reaction towards the government's decision.