I have tried it from both sides. And the front & pushing from the rear.

It's a split bench seat & the smaller (one seat) section behind the driver seat is fine. The larger section (seats 2) is the one that's hung up. The damn anchor & claw assembly is not accessible in any easily determinable manner as the seat is flush over them onto the floor.

I have been thinking about making a sugical incision to access the release.

2001 Montero XLS. Needs some TLC.
My B**ch ex-wife really treated this vehicle badly. Been fixing it up since I had to take possesion after the divorce.