Four thousand eight hundred and sixteen soldiers who deserted the Army have surrendered. Another 4 thousand 630 were taken into custody.
Commenting in this connection Military Spokesman Major General Ubhaya Medawala said that the concessionary period granted to them came to an end on 12th February.
He said that 11 officers and 4 816 soldiers have reported to their regimental headquarters. They will soon be given clearance to leave the Army. He said that the programme to arrest all deserters is continuing. Twelve officers and 4630 personnel of other ranks have been arrested.