QALA-E-NOW - A group of 150 militants in the Abkamari district of northwestern Badghis province have joined the government-initiated peace process, an official said on Sunday.

Police chief Mohammad Qayyum Angar told Pajhwok Afghan News that the 150-member Taliban group lead by commander Mullah Baz Mohammad joined the peace process and surrendered their weapons to the government.

The group was operating in parts of the province, including Nahrab and Chasangai areas of Abkamai district, and attacking government installations and forces.

Police chief hoped that security situation would improve after the militants’ group announced to shun violence.