Rebels join peace process in Sar-i-Pul

SAR-I-PUL (PAN):A militant commander joined the peace process along with 10 of his associates in the northern province of Sar-i-Pul, an official said on Wednesday.

AzizullahArbab and his loyalists announced shunning the insurgency at a ceremony in the provincial capital late on Tuesday,the police chief, Col. Azizullah Sherzad told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The rebel group surrendered four weapons and a walkie-talkie to the authorities, he said, adding that efforts were underway to convince more fighters into returning to the social mainstream.

Arbab and his men had been active for three months in and around Sayad distract of the province. The surrendering commander said: “We are ready to work together with police stabilising the district.” He also sought jobs for himself and his men.

Addressing the ceremony, Governor Sayed Anwar Ali Rahmati promised that work opportunities would be provided for the former fighters. However, he stopped short of giving further details.

mrh/mud

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