Fifty Taliban militants defected to the government in southern Afghan province of Kandahar on Monday, an official said, Xinhua reported.
"These former rebel under Mawlawi Nurul Aziz also brought 50 pieces of weapons including assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades and handed them over to the authorities," provincial governor Tooryali Weesa told reporters.
He added that the government would provide job opportunities to the former militants in accordance with government peace initiative. He aslo called on other opposition groups to lay down arms and join the peace process.
In brief chat with journalists, Nurul Aziz said he wants government to ensure their safety, adding that from now on he would work for peace and stability in the country.
Kandahar, the birthplace of former Taliban regime, has been the scene of increasing insurgency since Taliban was toppled in late 2001.
More than 200 militants have defected to the government over the past month throughout the country.
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