JVP demonstrators attacked in Ratnapura

[TamilNet, Sunday, 10 August 2008, 10:35 GMT]
An unidentified group of persons Saturday morning is alleged to have attacked a demonstration held by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) activists in Nivitigala town in Ratnapura district against the increasing violence by government elements thus disrupting electioneering of the opposition parties contesting the forthcoming election to the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council. Sabaragamuwa province comprises two districts, Ratnapura and Kegalle.

Several JVP activists are said to be injured in the attack and hospitalized. Police rushed to the site where the demonstration was held and took action to disperse the crowd.

Political sources claim that the members of the group that attacked the JVP demonstrators were supporters of the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA).