Taliban groups join peace process in Kunduz, Nuristan

KABUL of providing logistic support and weapons to the guerrillas.

A total of 35 rebels joined the reconciliation programme and surrendered their weapons to the authorities in Imam Sahib and Aliabad districts of Kunduz and Doab district of Nuristan.

Qari Bahir, who led a 11-member rebel outfit in the Imam Sahib district, told a ceremony in Kunduz City held in this regard that he had joined the peace process at the invitation of the high peace council.

Formally loyal to Qari Rahmatullah, a Taliban-designated chief for Imam Sahib, Bashir alleged Pakistan had been providing logistic support and weapons to the fighters in northern Afghanistan.

In the Aliabad district, another eight-member group led by Gul Zaman jointed the peace process. The surrendering men asked the government to provide them work opportunity or recruit them in local police force.

Governor Mohammad Anwar Jagdalak promised assistance to the reconciled fighters though the high peace council.

Elsewhere, a 15-member insurgent group led by commander Abdul Karim renounced violence in eastern Nuristan province, the provincial high peace council chief, Ahmad Shah, said.

The group also turned in 15 heavy and light weapons to the council, he said, adding the individuals would be considered for recruitment to local police in Doab district.

myn/ma

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