The supporters of a ruling party politico are behind the attack on a Satyagraha campaign in Pambahinna, last night, says the Convenor of the Sabaragamuwa University Students Union, Rasindu Jayasinghe.

“Some students have witnessed and we have received information that the group was accompanied by the supporters of a ruling party Provincial Councilor,” said Jayasinghe.  

Some 12 students who were engaged in the Satyagraha campaign were attacked by a group of unidentified persons with poles and sharp objectives. The students who were inside a tent came under attack at around 10.30 p.m. The suspects have fled the area after torching the tent, according to the police.

The wounded students were rushed to the Balangoda Base hospital. A source from the hospital said that six students were discharged, this morning, and the rest still receiving treatments for non life threatening injuries.

Police Spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana said that two police teams have been deployed to conduct investigations, on this regard. “Some students have identified the suspects. Thus far, we have recorded statements from ten persons,” he added.

The police have also drawn their attention on two abandoned motorbikes that were found close approximate to the crime scene, this morning.

The Sabaragamuwa University was closed until further notice, following a tense situation which had prevailed within the university premises, last week. The university was closed after a group of female university students had forcefully entered a boys’ hostel.