200 rebels surrender in Afghanistan

Kabul, December 31: At least 200 rebels surrendered on Wednesday in Afghanistan’s Jawzjan province. “Up to 200 insurgents gave up fighting and joined the government in provincial capital of Shiberghan,” an official told Xinhua. A ceremony was underway in Shiberghan to welcome the former insurgents and Afghanistan’s First Vice President, General Abdul Rashid Dostum. “The former rebels were active in Darzab and Quish Tipa districts over the past couple of years.” The official declined to say whether the surrendered militants were members of the Taliban insurgent group. However, the Taliban militants are active in parts of Jawzjan and the neighbouring Faryab and Sari Pul provinces. Vice–President Dostum, who is visiting the mentioned provinces, has recently said efforts were underway to encourage the insurgents in northern provinces to renounce violence and join the government–initiated peace and reconciliation process.   (IANS)