December 8, 2001	Saturday	Ramazan 22, 1422

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QUETTA, Dec 7: The Taliban leaders on Thursday released three commanders belonging to Hamid Karzai group. “Yes, Taliban have released three opposition commanders and handed them over to Hamid Karzai,” Ahmed Wali Karzai, the younger brother of Hamid Karzai, told Dawn while confirming that talks were held between Taliban leaders and Hamid Karzai in Shah Wali Kot district, some 15 kilometres north of Kandahar city.

“The Taliban delegation holding talks with interim Afghan Prime Minister Hamid Karzai surprised everyone when they brought three jailed opposition commanders with them to Shah Wali Kot and informed Mr Karzai about their release,” Ahmed Karzai said.

These commanders had been in Kandahar jail for the last two years and were arrested on the orders of Taliban Supreme leader Mulla Omar.

The released Afghan commanders are: Jan Mohammad Khan and Mohammad Nabi Khan of Uzurgan province and Shadi Jan who belongs to Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar.

“Taliban have released opposition commanders as a goodwill gesture and I think the Taliban leadership is now serious about negotiations, Ahmed said. “Negotiations are in progress for surrender of Taliban forces in Kandahar, Helman and Zabul provinces,” he said.

“I think Taliban have put some conditions for handing over these three provinces,” he said.

He said Hamid Karzai had declared a general amnesty for all. However, he said he did not know what decision would be taken about Mulla Omar and some other top leaders of Taliban.

He confirmed that his brother had received a slight injury in the face when B-52 bombers dropped heavy bombs in Shah Wali Kot area where Hamid Karzai was present along with his tribesmen and fighters.

He said that six fighters, including two important commanders, were killed and many others injured in the bombing.

“My brother received a minor injury in the face but he is safe and fine and busy in negotiations with Taliban’s important leaders,” Ahmed Karzai said.