A family of four from Vavuniya arrived in India as refugees this week after being forced to leave due to Sri Lanka's worsening economic crisis.
The family were detained by the Indian authorities on arrival at Dhanushkodi and will be placed in Mandapam refugee camp following an investigation.
The family said that they had come to Tamil Nadu to live with their relatives as the they were affected by Sri Lanka's economic crisis. So far, over 96 Tamils have come to Tamil Nadu as Sri Lanka faces an unprecedented economic crisis.
Eelam Tamils have sought refuge in Tamil Nadu for decades after fleeing years of human rights abuses, violence from the security forces and impunity for crimes. However, the current economic crisis has now added to the burden.
Tens of thousands of Eelam refugees remain in camps in Tamil Nadu, often in difficult conditions and without any support. Many refugees from Eelam fled Sri Lankan state oppression and have been living in Tamil Nadu for about three decades. Despite this the Indian government refuses to grant them citizenship.
