Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha has issued an urgent directive for the immediate arrest of deserters from the country’s security forces. This move comes in response to a troubling increase in shooting incidents in recent weeks.
Officials indicate that the decision was prompted by a surge in violence linked to former members of the security forces who have abandoned their posts. Concerns have mounted over the involvement of ex-military personnel in criminal activities, prompting swift government action.
Addressing the issue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha revealed that many individuals connected to recent crimes had either unofficially left or been discharged from military service after receiving weapons training. He assured the public that authorities, with assistance from the Police, are actively working to arrest these individuals and curb further violence.
During a special media briefing at the Government Information Department, Thuyacontha emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing the law against organized crime gangs. He attributed the rise in criminal activities to decades of political protection for such groups but affirmed that under the current administration, no such protection would be granted. The government, he stated, is dedicated to swift and strict law enforcement to combat these threats effectively.
In addition to targeting deserters, the Defence Ministry has also launched a systematic audit of illegally issued firearms used for personal protection. With support from the tri-forces, this initiative has successfully recovered most of these firearms, with only a few still unaccounted for. The Defence Secretary expressed confidence that this audit will help eliminate public confusion and prevent the future illegal distribution of firearms.
The government’s crackdown marks a decisive step in restoring law and order and ensuring that security personnel uphold their duty to the nation. Authorities continue to urge public cooperation as they work to address security concerns and maintain stability across the country.
