100 Taliban militants give up fighting in Afghanistan

(file photo)

QALAI NOW, Afghanistan, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Different militants consisted of 100 Taliban fighters laid down arms and joined the government-backed peace process in Badghis province 555 km northwest of capital Kabul on Monday, spokesman for provincial administration Sharafudin Majidi said Tuesday.

"Seven groups of Taliban fighters composed of 100 people gave up fighting and joined the peace process in provincial capital Qalai Now on Monday evening," Majidi told newsmen here while welcoming the former insurgents.

He also said with joining these former militants who were active in Qadis and Muqar districts, the peace and security will be further improved in the province.

They also handed over their weapons to authorities, he further said.

Taliban militants fighting the government have yet to make comment.

More than 3,000 Taliban militants, according to officials have laid down arms and joined the government-backed peace process over the past one year.

from XINHUA
2012-07-17 19:00:30

Posted in: Afghanistan, Badghis Province, Qadi, Taliban