18 Taliban militants join peace process in response to Saudi Imams’ speech

The officials claim that the group led by Mohammad Hassan also famous as Zubair renounced violence and laid down their weapons after Imams of Mecca Grand Mosque and the Nabuwi Mosque declared the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan as Haram or forbidden.
Nangarhar’s governor Hayatullah Hayat told reporters that a group of eighteen Taliban insurgents led by Mohammad Hassan also famous as Zubair joined peace process after they were affected with the recent Fatwas/speeches of the prayer leaders of Mecca Grand Mosque and the Nabuwi mosque.
He said the militants also handed over eighteen weapons to the Afghan intelligence directorate in Nangarhar.
According to Hayat, the group was engaged in violence and war against the government for the past five years and recent decided to renounce violence and join peace process.
Hayat also added that the government and the international community are prepared for any type of negotiation for peace and to use all means and possible ways for reconciliation.
The commander of the group Mohammad Hassan told reporters that they decided to join peace process considering the demands by the religious scholars of the country, speech of the Grand Mosque of Mecca, and after seeing the environment of love among the people during the ceasefire period.
Hassan further added that he and his comrades have taken decision to join the police ranks or any other institution to serve the people.
He also expressed remorse regarding the activities they committed in the past and urged the other militants to renounce violence and join peace process.