Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

“No plan to send refugees back”

CHENNAI: Several Ministers visited Sri Lankan refugee camps across the State on Sunday and the government came out with a clarification that it had no intention to repatriate the refugees.

The Government’s press statement was issued in the wake of media reports that the Centre had issued a directive asking the refugees, whose sanctioned duration of stay had expired, to return to their homeland. “There is no such announcement from the Centre. The report attributed to a political leader is not only a false one, but could also create fear in the minds of the refugees,” the press note said.

Refugees staying in 115 camps in Tamil Nadu would continue to receive aid from it and the Centre, it stated.

Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests S. Regupathy called on refugee families in Thekkattur village.

In Madurai, Backward Classes Welfare Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Adi-Dravida Welfare Minister A. Tamilarasi visited refugee camps at Uchapatti and Anayur.

In Coimbatore, Rural Industries Minister Pongalur N. Palanisamy gave a patient hearing to the problems faced by refugees housed in the camp at Pooluvapatti.

Highways Minister M. P. Swaminathan visited refugee camps at Kangeyam.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Karunanidhi looks forward to ensuring Tamils’ safety
Japanese language students show their oratorical skills
Now, get professional advice on nutrition for free
They sang, danced and won prizes too
He proves that it is only a trick of hand
Job fair held
Persons with disabilities urged to form SHGs
Anbazhagan calls for urgent action to help Sri Lankan Tamils
Airtel’s voice messaging service
Fast by AIADMK student wing
‘Enthiran’ shooting on in Chennai
Workshop
Now civil services regain popularity
Veteran musicians honoured with Arsha Kala Bhushanam awards
Anand launches II phase of ‘iPaint08’
Throwing light on fair job avenues ahead
Violence on campus: the ground reality
Youth nabbed
Power shutdown
Activism is more social than political
How managements view the issue
Boy drowned
Gold chain relieved
‘Zero Waste Management Centre’ to be opened soon
Higher water, sewerage tariff fixed for suburbs
NCC Day celebration
Rain to continue in city
Four held
Power supply in Spencer Plaza improves
“No plan to send refugees back”
With more use of gadgets comes the need for saving
In Chennai Today

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu