Rise in refugee arrival as fighting intensifies in Lanka

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Aug 30 (UNI) Refugees entering Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka are on the increase in the last eight months as fighting intensifies between the Lankan army and the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE).

Official sources said 11,084 refugees had so far entered Mandapam at Rameswaram from Trincomalee, Mannar, Vavunia, among others. Not less than 300 to 600 refugees were entering here daily.

In the last one month, about 3,000 refugees had entered the rehabilitation camp here. Due to shortage of space, steps were taken to accommodate the refugees at temporary camps in some districts.

The Indian Navy had so far impounded 19 Lankan boats transporting the refugees. A refugee Karpukarasi alleged that the Lankan army was targetting Tamils.

Ms Karupukarasi also alleged that in Trincomalee, the Lankan army had been entering the residences of innocent Tamils in the name of investigation but stealing money and jewels. Young men and women were being kidnapped by them, she added.

Security measures were tightened to prevent the LTTE cadres and terrorists entering here and in Mandapam, posing as refugees, the sources added.

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