Dozens of Taliban renounce violence in Jawzjan

SHIBERGHAN (PAN insurgents joined the peace process in northern Jawzjan province on Thursday, an official said.

A 35-member rebel group shunned the militancy in the Qush Tepa district and announced support for the government, the deputy governor said.

The group turned in 20 heavy and light weapons to local authorities, Deputy Governor Faqir Mohammad Jawzjani told Pajhwok Afghan News.

With the surrender of the fighters, he hoped, the security situation in the district would improve. Other militants, in contact with the governor, would return to the national mainstream in the near future, he suggested.

Commander Ahmad Zia, the group leader, said: “I remained with the Taliban for a year to save my life.” He promised to help provide security for reconstruction projects in the town.

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