Three Eelam Tamils, including a boy, have fled to Tamil Nadu, undertaking a treacherous journey by boat from Batticaloa over the rising cost of living and ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
The two men and child were found seeking shelter from the sun at the sandbanks near Dhanushkodi when they were spotted by patrol boats and taken inland.
The authorities have handed the family to the police who will begin investigations. The trio had told authorities that they were undergoing economic hardships due to the rising cost of living, lack of livelihood and dwindling incomes.
Due to the economic crisis, the number of Eelam Tamils who have arrived in Tamil Nadu seeking refugee has increased to 293.
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.
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