ISLAMABAD, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- A separatist militant commander on Wednesday announced quitting the militancy to join the peace process and national politics for the welfare of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province.

Sarfaraz Bangulzai, flanked by provincial government officials, told a press conference in the provincial capital Quetta that he had surrendered before the authorities along with his 70 fighters to start a new life.

"We have done many wrong actions which led to losses on both sides and hampered development in the province," admitted the former militant commander, adding that he had been repenting for what he had done in the past.

Bangulzai, who was chief of the Baloch National Army (BNA), said that he owned a house and a car while working in the food department in Balochistan province before he succumbed to the influence of militants in 2009.

He had been leading the BNA after Gulzar Imam, the previous chief of the militant group, was arrested by the Pakistani forces.

The former militant commander urged the youth to renounce violence for the development and prosperity of the country and the province. Enditem

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