Tamil journalist attacked while covering military crash in Kilinochchi

A Tamil journalist was attacked on Tuesday evening in Kilinochchi, whilst photographing a fatal road collision between a Sri Lankan military water tank and a civilian construction vehicle, by a military officer dressed in civilian uniform who identified himself as a colonel.

The journalist, S N Nibojan, informed the officer he was a media worker and had only come to report the news, however the officer replied, "what does it matter to me who you are."

Grabbing Mr Nibojan's camera the officer deleted the photographs before swinging the camera towards the ground, smashing the lens.

The incident took place around 9.45pm local time on Paranthan Poonakari road.

Mr Nibojan has filed a complaint at Kilinochchi police station.

The driver of the construction vehicle has been admitted to hospital with serious injuries, whilst the military officer driving the water tank died from his injuries.

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