12 militants give up fighting in N. Afghanistan

A total of 12 anti-government militants laid down arms and gave up fighting in northern Afghan Baghlan province with Pul-e-Khumri as its capital 160 km north of Kabul on Monday.

"Twelve militants loyal to Jandullah group gave up fighting and reintegrated to their families in Burka district," police spokesman in the province, Zabihullah Shuja, told reporters.

The former militants were involved in anti-government activities in Burka district over the past couple of years, Shuja said.

All the former militants also handed over their weapons to police, he added.

With these people's joining in the peace process, security would be further stabilized in Baghlan province, the official said.

Jandullah, a small extremist group fighting the government alongside Taliban outfit, hasn't commented. Endite