They are Tamils, not refugees: MK

3nov_tamil “Don’t see those staying in camps here as refugees, see them as Tamils…the amenities available to the Tamils living in the other parts of the State should be made available to those living in the camps too’’.

This was the strong message of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to the Ministers and officials who attended the emergency meeting convened by him on Monday to discuss the ways to improve the basic amenities in the camps of Lankan Tamil refugees.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister sought explanation from the officials on the reports about the poor basic amenities prevailing in the refugees camps and granted Rs 12 crore for improving the condition.

Besides, he had directed the State ministers to visit the camps in their respective districts immediately and submit a report by November 10 on the works to be carried out in the camps.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Backward Classes Welfare Minister KKSSR Ramachandran said that based on the recommendations to be made by the ministers, the Chief Minister would decide about the works to be done with the grant of Rs 12 crore.

Asked whether any minister would visit the Chengleput special camp where a number of Lankan Tamils were languishing without any trial, the Minister said the issue was related to the police department. However, Labour Minister TM Anbarasan would visit the camp.

At present, there are 115 camps functioning in Tamil Nadu in 26 districts and accommodating 73,246 Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka. Apart from this, 31,802 refugees are living outside the camps.

[Full Coverage]

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