"We laid down our arms because we benefit from it", admits one Taliban defector candidly. But their sympathies seem to lie with their former colleagues. They accuse the government of corruption and complain foreign soldiers ignore local customs. "Until now, the wishes of the Afghan people have been ignored ... That's why people are joining the Taliban." Despite now relying on government protection, these ex-fighters are confident enough to dictate terms. "If I go back now, I will tell my people the amnesty programme is worthless", states one. They're demanding the release of six colleagues.