Mizzima: India deported four army d

[mizzima@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

India deported four army deserters to Burma

Aizawl, March 17, 2000
Mizzima News Group

Four Burma army deserters who has been detained in Champhai police
station since February 17 were handed over to Burma authorities
yesterday by the Indian authorities. Mr. Tumsanga, Director General of
Police of Mizoram State confirmed this to our correspondent in Aizawl.

Four private soldiers from the outpost stationed at Rid Village in Chin
State of Burma deserted the army along with three G-3 assault rifles and
140 ammunitions last month. However, the Mizoram police arrested them
near the border village of Kelkang in Champhai district on February 17.

The four deserters are Tun Linn Naung, aged 13, Win Kyaw, aged 18, Than
Thun, aged 25 and Soe Aye, aged 20. All of them are from No. 266 of
Light Infantry Division of Burma army.

Mr. Tumsanga said that the four soldiers were handed over along with
their weapons and ammunitions to the Commanding Officer of Rid post
yesterday by the Assam Rifles and the decision to deport them to Burma
was taken by the Central Government in New Delhi.

"Government of India has appealed to the Myanmar army to be lenient on
them. But it is up to the Myanmar authorities to deal with them," said
Mr. Tumsanga when asked on the personal safety of deserters once they
are in the hands of Burmese authorities.