At least eight insurgents renounced violence in northern Sar-e-Pul province and joined the peace process, local officials said on Monday.

Acting Provincial Police Chief Enayatullah Habibi says that the men joined the peace process on Sunday. He said the group was led by Qari Ahmadi, who is the shadow district governor of Kohistanat district but that he was not part of the group.

The insurgents fought against security forces in Kohistanat, according to Ahmadi.

Kohistanat is one of the insecure districts in the province in which the insurgents have activities and frequently clash with the security forces.