Will TN Chief Minister alleviate the sufferings of the refugees?

- Virakesari Editorial

(August 05, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Whenever there is intense fighting in the north, people who are affected used to take refuge in Tamil Nadu. Many thousands of people have taken refuge in Tamil Nadu refugee camps during the last three decades. The relief they get is enough for them but they have to find a job for their children's studies and for their other needs.

Recently, Kalaignar Karunanithy had said that Tamil refugees cannot buy any property in Tamil Nadu. This announcement hurt the feelings not only of the refugees but the entire Tamilnadu people.

Tamil people have taken refuge in Tamil Nadu hoping to live a peaceful life. But, unfortunately, security check in refugee camps has created worry and anxiety among them.

Tamilnadu Chief Minister has affection for the Lankan Tamil people. The refugees believe that Kalaignar will take proactive steps to alleviate their sufferings.

Tamil people who have taken refuge in European countries are able to live peacefully. They get their citizenship from their respective countries. Similarly, if the Tamilnadu government considers Lanka Tamil refugees also as their citizens and if necessary facilities are provided, that will be a relief to the affected people. We cannot deny that the Tamilnadu government extends help to the Lankan refugees.

It is the wish of the entire Tamil community that the sufferings of the Lankan Tamil refugees should be viewed from a humanitarian angle and not as a political issue!

(An English translation of the Editorial in Virakesari, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo)
- Sri Lanka Guardian