News - Afghanistan

A group of 14 insurgents laid down weapons in northern Balkh province on Sunday, local officials said.

The men were found in the Chahar Bolak and Chamtal districts of the province and fought against government in the province, the provincial Head of High Peace Council Department Akhtar Mohammad Imrahimkhil said.

“The men gave their weapons to the local security troops willingly. They have promised that they will not fight against government in the province,” he said.

To reintigrate the men, the government has "been asked to provide work for them,” Imrahimkhil said.

Meanwhile, Mawlawi Ziaulhaq, the commander of the men who joined in peace process said that more than a year they have worked with the insurgents in the districts of the province.

“I don’t want to join again with the insurgents and I want stay with my family,” Ziaulhaq said.

Chahar Bolak and Chamtal districts are highly insecure districts which have seen insurgent activity and attacks against local and provincial government.

Provincial head of High Peace Council department said that with the joined of them ‘men’ security will improve in the province.