Soldiers beat up railway guard

BLITAR, East Java: Provincial military chief Maj. Gen. Imam Utomo promised yesterday to look into reports that three soldiers beat up a railway crossing guard in Surabaya on Sunday.

The soldiers reportedly beat up Sugiyono, 30, for refusing to raise the crossing gate that he had just lowered, even though they told him a government official was about to pass by.

"I have ordered the military police to investigate the reports of soldiers hurting people's feelings," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

He promised to take action against, and possibly dismiss, the soldiers if they are found guilty of tarnishing the image of the Armed Forces.

Imam also reported that the authorities in Malang arrested seven Armed Forces members for their involvement in a car theft syndicate.

"I am grateful for their arrest and they will be sent to trial soon," he said. (pan)