Kabul, (IINA) : More than 200 Taliban militants have joined the peace process in northern Balkh province of Afghanistan, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported quoting the Afghan Khaama Press (KP).

According to the local government officials, the militants were previously conducting insurgency against the government and security forces in the vicinity of Alburz Mountains in favor of the Taliban group. The militants also handed over various weapons, ammunition and other military kits with them.

The provincial government media office said the militants joined peace process thanks to the efforts made by the government officials and security institutions in the province.

Balkh is among the relatively calm provinces in the north of Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militant groups have been attempting to destabilize the province. Numerous incidents have taken place in the province including some of its key cities during the recent months.