Over a dozen Taliban militants laid down their weapons in the northern Badakhshan province on Sunday, said Abdul Wahid Taebi, head of the government- backed provincial peace body.

"A total of 14 Taliban militants who were involved in anti- government activities in Tagab district over the past couple of years gave up fighting today and joined the peace process," Taebi, who heads the High Peace Council, told Xinhua.

The former militants also handed over their arms and ammunitions, including a piece of rocket propelled grenade, to the police at a ceremony held in the provincial capital of Faizabad, the official added.

"My demand from the government is to create job opportunities by launching developing projects in Tagab and adjoin districts to alleviate poverty," commander of the former fighters, Qari Abdul Hamid, said.

Taliban militants, who are fighting against the government in parts of Badakhshan province, have yet to make comment. Endi

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