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Taliban militants group in northeast Afghanistan lay down arms, surrender to authorities

The head of Regional Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs says the militants won't be charged, despite the fact that they previously actively participated in the attacks

© ЕРА/GHULAMULLAH HABIBI

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Taliban imposes ban on attending schools in eastern Afghan province

ABU-DHABI, November 17. /TASS/. A group of 17 Taliban militants has laid down arms and surrendered to the authorities of Badakhshan province in northeast Afghanistan, the head of Regional Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Lal Mohammad Ahmadzai said on Monday.

According to him, the group has given all their small arms to the security forces. "Despite the fact that the militants participated actively in the attacks, we’re not going to charge them," he added. "I’m sure this will have positive impact on the situation in the region and will urge other radicals to return to peaceful life."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that earlier a dozen more Taliban members surrendered in the northeast Afghanistan. The movement leaders give no comments on the reasons for their members switching to the government side.

The government announcements on the extremists giving up armed struggle come amid the “peace process” announced by the new president Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai which implies the activation of negotiations between the government and its Taliban opponents and other extremist organizations. In accordance with the plan the radicals are guaranteed immunity from criminal prosecution in exchange for refusal to continue the armed struggle.

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