Centrol Locking,Electrial Connectors in A Pillars

[ACTIMMS]

Hi,
Had an emergency callout on Sunday afternoon, my daughter's 2002 Passat Estate had a rear offside door, which refused to open.
Started investigating & after copious spraying of WD40 on all locks/handles etc, eventually go it opened.
Then started looking at the electrical connector's in the A pillars, but was UNABLE to disconnect them successfully.
As plastic gets brittle after a number of years, thought it better to seek expert advice before proceeding further.
I saw the two side strips, which I thought might be retaining clips, but could not see inside enough to confirm.
Tried to bend both of the 'strip' away from the body at the same time, while trying to carefully pull the connector apart, but they would not budge.

I was reading KARL reply, and hoping he or other can assist.

Many Thanks,

Allen.