16 militants join peace process in Herat

 HERAT CITY (PAN): A group of 16 insurgents including their commander joined the government-initiated reconciliation process in western Herat province, an official said on Wednesday.

Led by Arbab Mohammad Qasim, the group was active in the Karkh district. The ex-rebels surrendered their weapons to security officials in the Kashore area, police chief, Brig. Gen. Rahmatullah Safi, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Security organs, peace council members and public representatives have lately stepped up contacts with the armed militants to motivate them into joining the reconciliation drive.

Qasim said discriminatory attitude of officials, insecurity and unemployment had pushed them into the insurgency. They had joined the peace process to participate in the reconstruction of the country, he concluded.

nz/mud

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