SAR-I-PUL - Sixty-two Taliban militants who shunned violence a week ago on Monday formally laid down their weapons and joined the peace process in northern Sar-i-Pul province, the governor said. 
Mohammad Zahir Wahdat told a ceremony welcoming the former fighters that the reconciling rebels surrendered to security forces in Shiram Haa area. He said the reconciling men also took part in clearing operations against their former comrade with security forces.
He said notorious commanders were among the recently reconciled 62 insurgent group, including Maulvi Abdul Wahab, Raees Mohammad Gul, Qari Noor Mohammad, Maulvi Nawadeen and Qari Amuruddin. They had been serving in Taliban ranks for three years and were active in Shiram area of the province.
The governor said the reconciling men turned in 32 Kalashnikovs, two machinegun, three pistols, two rocket launchers, four carbines and other military equipment.  
Maulvi Naqeebullah, the provincial peace committee head, said insurgents who were hell bent on fighting against government if killed did not deserve any reward and were killing themselves for nothing. 
Salahuddin Charikzada, a member of the provincial council, thanked the insurgents for joining the peace drive and called their decision a step towards peace in the province.
Maulvi Abdul Wahab, one of the reconciled commanders, said he would fight against the country’s enemies along with security forces to achieve peace and ensure security.
According to local officials, 100 insurgents have joined the peace and reintegration process in Sar-i-Pul this year. (Pajhwok)