Baghlan insurgents join peace process; seek jobs

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): Two insurgent groups have joined the government-initiated peace process in northern Baghlan province, officials said on Sunday.

Col. Abdul Bashir Rashid, provincial police chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News up to 20 insurgents led by Nasim and Abdul Jabbar had surrendered their weapons to authorities.

He said the men, who had been active against the government in Dande Ghori and Jelga districts, joined the peace process due to efforts by local elders and the peace committee.

The commanders urged the government to provide them with jobs and initiate welfare projects in their areas.

Last year, 200 rebels joined the peace process in Baghlan. Since the inception of the programme four years back, some 1,200 Hezb-i-Islami-linked rebels joined the process.

hg/mud

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