The JVP media unit coming back after covering the election propaganda rallies of their party held at Hingurakkgoda and Pollonnaruwa held yesterday (17th) were attacked by thugs at Mahawa-Ella police check point at about 11.00 p.m. The attack had been led by one Hemanthe, a supporter of Minister T.B. Ekanayake.
According to JVP media unit the thug had said he was the president of the town branch of the SLFP and had come to the attack from the residence of a Provincial Council member of North Eastern PC called Lal. The vehicle travelled by the members of JVP media unit had been forced to stop by this person called Hemantha, who had come in a tipper without number plates at the Mahawa-Ella police check point.
He had brought a long catty had scolded the members of the media unit and smashed the wind screen of the vehicle the members of media unit were travelling in front of the police officers. When the thug tried to attack the driver of the vehicle the police officers had stopped him. Even while he was being held by the police he had threatened the members of the JVP media unit shouting, "This is Mahinda Rajapakse's government. You will not be allowed to play here. I work with Minister Ekanayake. I will kill you all."
Later, after this person had been brought to Mahawa police station he had abused the police and threatened a police officer called Nishanthe asking him not to get involved.
According to media unit of the JVP the attack was a well planned by the UPFA. The JVP has lodged a complaint (No.CIB 1 123/194) regarding the incident at Mahawa Police.
LT
