Monitoring Desk
JALALABAD: A former Taliban commander was killed in a landmine blast in the Khugyani district of Nangarhar province on Tuesday, residents said.
The former Taliban commander, Afsar Khan, had laid down arms and joined the peace process along with their associates few months ago.
He was killed by a landmine while on way home in Ahmadkhil village of Khugyani district just before noon, local residents told Afghan Islamic Press (AIP).
The deceased was also former Taliban mayor for Khugyani district.
There was no word by local authorities in this regard.
Meanwhile, a 10-member group of Taliban led by Commander Muhammad Ismail a.k.a Fawad laid down arms and joined the peace process due to the efforts of National Directorate of Security (NDS), said Attaullah Khugyani, spokesman of Nangarhar governor.
He said the group was active in Khugyan district.
Lack of security is considered to be a major cause of Taliban not joining peace process.
Most of the people believe that a large number of Taliban would shun violence and join the peace process if the government ensures their security.
