Ahead of the Sri Lankan President’s visit to Jaffna, landowners who spoke to the media demanding the release of their lands were subject to intimidation and surveillance by the police.
A press briefing was organized on Thursday near the Vasavilan junction by the "Valikamam North Land Release Committee," where affected residents intended to voice their demands to the President via the media. Their requests included the release of lands located within the ‘Palaly High Security Zone’ and the full reopening of the Palaly Road without restrictions.
As the press conference was about to begin, a police team led by the Officer-in-Charge of the Palaly Police Station arrived at the scene. They intimidated those present, claiming the event could not proceed, and took individual photographs of participants. They also recorded their names and national ID numbers.
In addition, the Sri Lankan police reportedly took photographs of journalists covering the event, acting in a manner intended to intimidate them as well.
Despite the threats, the press conference went ahead as planned.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Palaly Police Station has also been accused by local residents of racially motivated conduct. He is alleged to have repeatedly clashed with protesters opposing the unlawful construction of a Buddhist vihara and to have sought to impose severe charges against those involved in the demonstrations.
