PAN, October 12, 2011

315 illegal armed groups still exist in north: official

The groups included weapon traffickers, he said, adding the presence of illegal weapons strengthened the opposition

By ‌Zabihullah Ihsas

As many as 315 illegal armed groups are still active in some northern provinces, an official said on Wednesday.

A senior official with the Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG) programme, Gen. Abdul Manan, who delivered 22 weapons to the programme officials, said nearly 185 such groups out of 500 have been disarmed in northern provinces. The groups included weapon traffickers, he said, adding the presence of illegal weapons strengthened the opposition.

Up to 167 heavy and light weapons seized during a number of security operations had been surrendered to the DIAG so far, said Brig. Gen. Abdul Rauf Taj, the provincial deputy police chief.

Most of the weapons were seized from killers and robbers, he claimed. About 38 suspects have also been arrested in connection with armed activities, he said.

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