KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) - The first of 1,000 militiamen in southern Afghanistan gave up their weapons to return to civilian life Monday, the latest step in a growing nationwide disarmament program. President Hamid Karzai's interim administration has pledged to demobilize 40,000 militiamen nationwide by the end of June, in an effort to improve security ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections in September.
"I'm going to give up my weapon. It's the order of our federal government, and every soldier should obey the orders of their government," 28-year-old militia fighter Zaulat Khan said, handing over his assault rifle as tribal elders and provincial government leaders looked on in Kandahar, the south's largest city.
| "Besides, I got three more rifles at home. And a mortar." |
"I'm happy - it's a good step," said Khan, who hoped to quickly join Afghanistan's newly formed national army.
| "So's I can get this rifle back!" |
In Kandahar, militia corps commander Khan Mohammed watched Monday while hundreds of his fighters gave up their weapons. "They fought against Russia, and they spent most of their life in the defense of their country," Mohammed said. "Our wish and our desire is that Afghanistan rewards them."
Afghan national army officials sorted the assault rifles and machine guns into usable and unusable - keeping the good for distribution to the national army and police. Most of Monday's weapons appeared in good condition.
| Of course. Man's only as good as his rifle in these here parts. |
Within five days, authorities expected to collect 1,000 assault rifles, 2,000 machine guns, and an unspecified number of rockets, said Gen. Ihzapullah Sarbaz, deputy commander of the local disarmament effort. About 1,000 men will be demobilized within the same period, Sarbaz said.
Authorities have pledged that disarmed fighters would be given consideration for slots in the new national army or in police forces, or would be given help with farms or businesses. Mohammed, the militia corps commander, said heavy-weapon collection would begin in Kandahar whenever Karzai's central government gives the word. |