Runaway SLA soldier arrested in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Monday, 25 February 2008, 13:40 GMT]
A Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldier who ran away Friday noon from his camp in Neerveali-Irupaalai area in Valikaamam East was caught two days later, hiding in the shrub jungle in the same area, in an extensive search operation launched by the SLA. The said soldier had run away in protest against the order transferring him to Colombo SLA Head Quarters, SLA authorities told Jaffna Additional Magistrate Mr. Vasanthasenan when he was produced before the magistrate Monday.

All vehicles on Jaffna-Point Pedro road were searched thoroughly in the two day search looking for the soldier.

Local media speculated that the soldier was likely under stress due to long assignment in Jaffna without vacation.

The magistrate directed the SLA authorities to produce the soldier Tuesday at Jaffna Court.