Hizb-e-Islami Names 3,500 Fighters To Be Included In Security DepartmentsThe political council of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's Hizb-e-Islami on Saturday said they have drawn up a list of 3,500 names of Hizb-e-Islami fighters whom they want recruited into the security departments.

According to them, the first phase of 100 men have already been introduced to the joint commission implementing the peace deal.

Karim Amin, a member of Hizb-e-Islami political council said over 50 of these fighters have ranks within Hizb-e-Islami of Colonel, Brigadier General and higher.

"Half of the 100 military officers that have been introduced in the first phase are ranked colonels, Brigadier Generals and higher than that. Out of these 100 officers, there are lots of other Generals that have received the ranks through the usual military process and some others have received ranks from Hekmatyar when he was working as prime minister of the country," said Karim.

According to the peace deal signed between Afghan government and Hizb-e-Islami, late last year, qualified men and military commanders of Hizb-e-Islami who are keen to serve in security institutions will be integrated into the government's system.

The commission implementing the peace deal meanwhile said the first group which is made up of 80 men has been introduced to the defense ministry to be recruited, and right now the MoD is running background checks on them.

"Ten days ago we received the primary list from Hizb-e-Islami which includes 80 men and they have worked in the defense minister 22 to 23 years ago," said Ahmad Farzan, head of strategic relations committee of the peace deal oversight commission.

Ministry of Defense (MoD) meanwhile said the officers' recruitment depends on government's strategy.

"There are principles for recruiting soldiers, officers and higher-ranking officials. They are also Afghans and can be included in security forces, but it should be in accordance with the policies," Dawlat Waziri, MoD spokesman said.

Fawzia Kofi, a member of parliament commentating on the issue said: "Government should disarm them and they should lay down their weapons to ensure us that we truly have reached social peace. If they want to take part in maintaining peace, then they should be arranged in security departments."

According to the constitution, active political parties in the country should not be involved in military activities. Hizb-e-Islami also agreed in terms of the peace deal that its military structure will be dissolved.

However, the exact number of Hizb-e-Islami fighters is still unclear.

LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/6552

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