Seven Sri Lankan Tamil refugees arrive

Ramanathapuram, Apr 25 (UNI) Seven Sri Lankan Tamil refugees including two women, arrived in three batches here today.

Official sources told UNI that the Lankan Tamils, comprising three families, hailed from Yalpanam and Ambarai regions in the island nation. They arrived at Rameswaram, Arichalmunai and Mandapam seashores in a clandestine boat after paying a huge sum. After preliminary investigations by the state intelligence and revenue officials, the Sri Lankan nationals were housed at the Special Refugee Camp in Mandapam.

Another Sri Lankan woman, who had arrived with valid documents was also given refuge at the camp this evening.

There is a heavy influx of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees for the past couple of months, owing to the fierce fighting between the armed forces and LTTE there.

UNI GSM VV SBC HT2112