Eight Eelam Tamils from Valvettithurai arrived in Tamil Nadu as refugees today after fleeing the island due an unprecedented economic crisis.
The refugees were apprehended by the Rameswaram coast guard and were taken to the police station to be investigated. Following an investigation, the eight Tamils will be placed in Mandapam refugee camp where thousands of other Eelam Tamil refugees remain.
Atleast 103 Eelam Tamils have gone to Tamil Nadu as refugees in recent months, citing that the economic conditions have forced them to leave. For decades, Eelam Tamils have fled the island over human rights abuses and violence from the state forces but the deepening economic crisis has worsened the conditions for many. Soaring inflation coupled with the shortage of essential items has left many struggling across the island.
