Ex-fighters in Baghlan to get jobs

PUL-I-KHUMRI (PAN fighters who recently joined the peace process in northern Baghlan province.

Public Works Director Haji Mohammad said 100 former fighters had already been tasked with maintenance of Baghlan roads. Each one was given 5,000 afghanis ($100) during the training period.

After starting work, they individual would receive salaries between 5,000 afs and 25,000 afs, he added.

The surrendering militants are also happy about their employment. “In the past, I was fighting against the government, but now I will receive salary,” said Juma Gul, one of the former Taliban fighters.

During his association with the Taliban, he was operating in the Dand-i-Shahabuddin area on the outskirts of provincial capital, Pul-i-Khumri.

According to Maulvi, 270 guerrillas have renounced the insurgency. The council members were trying to convince other militants to join the peace drive, he concluded.

frm/mud

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