KABUL, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Seven Taliban militants laid down arms in Badghis province northwest of Afghanistan while 10 policemen surrendered to the insurgents, Deputy to Provincial governor Abdul Ghani Sabiri said Wednesday.

    "Seven Taliban militants laid down their arms and surrendered to authorities in Badghis's provincial capital Qalai Now on Tuesday," Sabiri told Xinhua.

    He also added that 10 policemen on the same day Tuesday deserted from their post in Muqar district and joined the Taliban fighters.

    Meantime, Sabiri put poor equipment and lack of professionalism for the desertion of police. Taliban militants, however, have not made comment.