Badghis militant groups join peace process

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): Two groups of militants have joined the government-initiated peace process in western Badghis province, an official said on Sunday.

Abu Bakr Surkhabi, a local official of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), told Pajhwok News the groups had been active in anti-government and anti-state activities in Qadis and Abkamari districts.

He said both groups had laid down their arms and pledged to shun violence in the larger national interest.

Mullah Abdul Fatah and Mullah Shah Gul, commanders of the groups, demanded the government provide them with job opportunities.

Abdul Khalil, the head of provincial peace committee, said the men would be given vocational training to make them skilled to earn livelihoods.

qs/rm/mud