23 more Kunar rebels join peace process

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): At least 23 militants have joined the government-initiated peace process and surrendered their weapons in eastern Kunar province, an official said Monday.

Governor Shuja-ul-Mulk Jalala told Pajhwok Afghan News that the group of militants led by Commander Abdul Baqi and Shaista Rahman were active against government in Dangam, Ghazi Abad and Sarkano districts since last six years.

He said the rebels joined the peace programme as a result of National Directorate of Security (NDS) efforts and mediation by local elders.

The rebels vowed to shun violence and live in peace and the government would pave way to provide them with jobs, Jalala pledged.

He asked the rebels to influence other militants to shun insurgency and support the government instead. So far, 360 militants have been joined peace process in Kunar province, the governor added.

Abdul Baqi, the group leader, said that they had been fighting for the past six years against foreign forces but now they joined the peace program because foreign troops had pulled out of Afghanistan.

mds/rm

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