75 rebels join peace process

QALA-I-NAW (PAN): Over six groups of rebels have joined the government-sponsored peace process in northwestern Badghis province, officials said on Thursday.

They joined the peace process because of the efforts of intelligence officials, Gen. Abdul Qaum, the provincial National Directorate of Security (NDS) chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said that at least 75 rebels, who had spent two years fighting the government in the Qadas district of the province, had now joined the government through the mediation of commanders Mullah Najmudin, Mullah Arbab, Sarajudin, Mullah Ahmad Shah, Mullah Ezatullah, Mullah Azizullah, and Mullah Azizullah.

He added that the 75 rebels had also surrendered five machine guns and 40 RPGs to the government.

Sarajudin, one of the rebel commanders who surrendered, urged the government to provide his men with working facilities.

He said: “For six months we were assisting Taliban, but now that we have joined the government we want to help in security affairs.”

Gen. Abdul Qaum has offered them 50 kilograms of rice and 18 kg of cooking oil.

Over 683 rebels have joined the government peace process in the province since March 21, 2011.

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