As Sri Lankan financial disaster deepens, officers say 2,000 to 4,000 refugees could land in Tamil Nadu

With the worth of important commodities skyrocketing, Sri Lankan refugees have begun to flock to Tamil Nadu. On Tuesday, March 22, a household of six Sri Lankan Tamils, together with 4 youngsters have been discovered by the Indian Coast Guard close to Fourth Island, Rameswaram and have been handed over to the Coastal Security Group.

On Wednesday, one other ten individuals, together with 5 youngsters, reached Indian shores. Sivasankari, one of many refugees, said she determined to depart as there was no approach to survive in Sri Lanka.

But, when crossing the ocean, the engine failed, the anchor was misplaced and the refugees have been caught at sea, battling the recent solar. After an enormous wrestle, they managed to cross the ocean and arrive in the course of the night time.

Siva, one other refugee, said that there was a scarcity of rice, palm oil and petrol.

“A kilo of rice costs Rs 250 – 300. I worked in Mannar. I left with my wife and my sister’s family. Many more families are getting ready to leave. We came to Tamil Nadu in 1990 and stayed at Mandap camp for 15 years and then went back. Now we have to return once again”, he mentioned.

Long queues of pissed off individuals cooking outdoors gasoline stations and stationary retailers have been noticed.

Officials from Mandapam have additionally estimated that if the disaster continues, between 2,000 to 4,000 refugees may land in Tamil Nadu.

Jacintha Lazarus, Commissioner of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non Resident Tamils, visited the refugee camp in Mandapam.

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NO PROPER DOCUMENTS

Jacintha said that 16 refugees from Sri Lanka have come to Tamilnadu up to now, unable to outlive there attributable to a extreme financial disaster. But, as per protocol, a case was filed towards them for coming to India with out mandatory paperwork.

“We are conducting an inquiry and have submitted a report. Decisions about their status will only be decided after discussion between the Tamil Nadu government and the government of India. Already, CM Stalin has announced 12 schemes for Sri Lankan Tamils, such as building houses and providing skill training, of which eight have been implemented”, said Jacintha Lazarus.

On Thursday, March 24, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin addressed the Sri Lankan financial disaster within the meeting and said that he has been observing the sufferings of Tamils in Sri Lanka returning to Tamil Nadu.

He instructed officers to speak with the Union Ministry and focus on the way to deal with the scenario legally.

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