10 militants lay down arms in N Afghanistan

Ten Taliban insurgents laid down their arms and surrendered to the government in Kunduz province north of Afghanistan on Sunday, provincial police Mohammad Razaq Yaqubi said.

"Ten rebels under Allah Birdi handed over their arms to local authorities in Qalai Zal district and resumed their normal life," Yaqubi told Xinhua.

Mohammad Nazir, the governor of Qalai Zal district, also confirmed their surrender and said the former insurgents besides handing over 10 pieces of machine guns have vowed to defend the government from now on.

With the surrender of these militants to the government, peace has returned to Qalai Zal district, the district chief added.

However, Taliban insurgents fighting the Afghan government have not made comment.

Source: Xinhua