Across the Palk Strait
In a new turn of events, 1,500 Sri Lankan Tamils from Mannar Island have sought refuge in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
There are already 56,750 Sri Lankan refugees in 115 camps throughout Tamil Nadu. Around 63,000 have been returned to Sri Lanka under an agreement between the two countries. Another 100,000 Sri Lankans live outside the camps with friends and relatives.
The refugees began arriving in fishing boats in Rameswaram on 8 August. Most of them are from the UNHCR camp or areas around Pesalai. Refugees say that the food supply to the camp had been disrupted for several weeks and UNHCR officers declared that their safety could not be guaranteed after shelling from a new Army camp at Erukalampiddy. In August there were several clashes in Pesalai between the military and the LTTE and major Army roundups of civilians.
On 26 August UNHCR despatched Rs700,000 worth tents, plastic sheets and cooking utensils to Mannar to restore local confidence. Press reports say UNHCR has also sent three officers to hold discussions with the people of Mannar Island and the military.
New Delhi is keen that LTTE cadre do not slip into India with the refugees. In mid-August Indian authorities confiscated boats which carried Sri Lankan refugees and withdrew fishing permits to some fishermen. Over 30,000 fishermen launched a demonstration in Rameswaran on 20 August against the ban. Indian fishermen claim that they were forced by the LTTE at gunpoint to ferry the refugees across.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi says refugees will be subject to thorough investigation and those suspected of LTTE links will be held. Most new refugees are are housed in the Rameswaram Mandapam camp separately from other refugees. Some have been sent to a special camp in Chenkalpattu.
Mr Karunanidhi also says that the problems of Sri Lankan Tamil militants and refugees will be approached separately. His reluctance to meet Sri Lankan Tamil leaders may be an indication that he will refrain from openly supporting the Tamil cause in the island. Mr Karunanidhi’s tenure previously as Chief Minister came to an abrupt end when New Delhi dismissed the state government in July 1991 accusing him of leaking strategic information to the LTTE jeopardising national security.
Back to Sri Lanka Monitor Index page.
Back to The Refugee Council Welcome page.