Two JVP supporters, who were engaged in pasting posters in support of Presidential poll candidate General Sarath Fonseka, were assaulted at Mahiyangana in the early hours of yesterday, according to a party press release.

It said the assault was allegedly carried out by the Moneragala Pradeshya Sabha chairman and his loyalists.

The JVP also claimed that police had arrested one of the assaulted victims after he was handed over to them. The other victim, who had gone to Police to lodge a complaint, had also been arrested, the party added.

When inquired about the arrest, police said the JVP activists had been arrested on charges of instigating violence and they would be produced before court.

No action has been taken against the Pradeshya Sabha chairman, the JVP said.

The JVP described the arrests as "unwarranted" and claimed that police were involved in "petty politics".