15-member rebel group lays down arms

HERAT CITY (PAN): A 15-member insurgent group and its commander joined the reconciliation programme in western Herat province, an official said on Monday.

Led by Mullah Basir, the group surrendered on Sunday in Yaka Drakht area of Adraskan district, the town’s administrative head, Lal Mohammad Omarzai, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The surrendering individuals turned in eight Kalashnikovs, two rocket launchers, a machinegun and some explosives to police, he said.

The group had been active in Adraskan and Shindand districts, Omarzai said, hoping the security situation in areas, where the group had been active, would improve after the surrender.

Mullah Basir said he had never been against the government, but personal enmity and differences with some officials forced him into picking up gun and joining insurgency.

He promised extending his sincere cooperation toward the Afghan forces if asked so. Basir urged the government to concentrate on reconstruction projects in Adraskan district.

Provincial peace committee officials say so far 500 militants have joined the peace process in Herat this solar year. Besides monthly stipends and other privileges, ex-insurgents are imparted vocational training for six months.

mds/ma

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