A journalist covering the local government elections in Jaffna has reportedly been assaulted and threatened by supporters of the National People’s Power (NPP) party, raising renewed concerns about media freedom and election-related violence in the North-East.
The incident occurred near a polling station in Thuraiyur, Velanai, where journalist Jayakanth, affiliated with DD TV, had arrived to document reports of a dispute between party supporters. While filming an altercation between rival groups, Jayakanth was identified by individuals affiliated with the NPP and was subsequently threatened and assaulted, disrupting his ability to carry out his professional duties.
Following the assault, the journalist filed a formal complaint with the Urkavalthurai Police Station. The incident adds to growing fears among media professionals in the North-East, who have long reported being subjected to surveillance, intimidation, and harassment, particularly when covering politically sensitive events.
In a separate incident, a candidate representing the Tamil People’s Alliance (TPA) was also attacked in Karainagar, Jaffna. The victim, Kanesapillai Balachandran—a former chairman and current TPA candidate—was reportedly assaulted on Monday night while riding his motorcycle. According to his police complaint, two unidentified individuals on a separate motorcycle intercepted him, physically assaulted him, and forcibly snatched his chain before fleeing the scene.
Balachandran has lodged a complaint at the occupying Sri Lankan police station in Urkavalthurai, and an investigation has been launched into the attack.
