UPFA supporter stabbed in Valachchenai

Rasika Somaratna and Mohammed Naalir

A hartal was said to be in force in Valachchenai and adjoining areas with the death of a UPFA supporter who was allegedly stabbed by a SLMC supporter who had earlier contested for Local elections in Batticaloa as an independent candidate.

An ardent supporter of the UPFA Mohammed Majeed (30) described as a close relative of a UPFA candidate contesting the Eastern PC polls, had died due to the stabbing, which occurred near a school in Breindurachchenai in the Valachchenai police division sources said.

According to some residents in the area the two had a running battle for a long period of time due to their political differences.

However the Police refused to divulge details, with one senior officer attributing the incident to a personal rivalry while ruling out any political connection. According to sources the suspect had surrendered to the Police immediately after the stabbing.

The Police had launched an investigation.