30 Taliban members join government in Kandahar

KANDAHAR – A group of 30 insurgents joined the Afghan peace and integration process in Kandahar Province, February 21, according to a Governor House press release.

Haji Toorjan led his group in laying down arms in a ceremony at the Governor House.

Kandahar Governor and Associate Professor Dr. Tooryalai Wesa tied turbans on the former insurgents' heads and said “that the doors of the Afghan government are opened for those Afghans who want to join the peace and reintegration process according to the decree of the Afghan president.”

The Afghan government will help them find jobs and return to normal life and will help others increase their understanding of the peace and reintegration process, he added.

Toorjan, a resident of Arghandab District, was an insurgent commander based in the Panjwai and Arghandab districts of Kandahar Province. Authorities recently identified him as responsible for destructive acts in nearby Urozgon Province.

Anti-Afghan elements are destroying the country, and that is why he joined the government, Toorjan said.