A one month long General Amnesty period was declared by the Ministry of Defence to enable tri forces deserters to obtain their legal discharge from their respective services, which will end on 31st December 2016.
51,000 soldiers from all three forces have abandoned their posts. Out of this number 42,000 are from the Army up to now 4,000 Army personnel have reported back for duty. In respect of Navy two officers and other 339 have returned for duty. Air Force is concerned ten officers and 137 Air Force men have reported back for duty.
Defence Ministry has assured that no punishment will be given to those who surrender. In addition all their retirement benefits will be restored and if they have taken a loan less than Rs 10,000 , it will be waived off . Further, if their report back for duty they will be allowed to leave the forces officially after 10 days of reporting back.
This is the second General Amnesty offered to tri forces deserters during this year. The first was in effect from June 13th to July 12th.
General amnesty period is to terminate on 31st December 2016. Ministry of Defence taken steps to arrest deserters after the deadline.
