Lankan refugees demand Indian citizenship

21 April 2013 02:40 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan refugees at the Anaiyur camp here demanded Indian citizenship as they did not want to be addressed as refugees even after staying in India for more than two decades.

"Our children are abused in schools as refugees, when they make minor mistakes," said a young mother, eyes filling with tears.

She was among a group of refugees who interacted with the media shortly after Additional Director General of Police (Coast Security Group) C. Sylendra Babu visited the camp on Friday morning.
Mr. Babu was here to create awareness among the refugees of the risks involved in their attempt to escape to Australia stealthily.

A youth S. Indiran urged the police officer to get Indian citizenship for the refugees as they wanted to continue to live in India.

"Given the situation in Sri Lanka, it was not possible to return home. I have lived here for 23 years. I have lost my parents and relatives. I cannot go back home," he said.

Similar requests were put forward to him by a few other youth also.

Mr. Indiran said that there was no one for him even to identify his family’s farmland. "We cannot identify our properties there now," he said.

A woman said that every year over 30 youth from the camp get their graduation. "But, they end up employed as painters, as they are not allowed to take any other job for want of Indian citizenship," she said.

Another youth complained that they do not have any right to buy even a motorbike.

"We are denied driving licence. Our people are lured to Australia through illegal means only because we have lost hope that we can get passports and fly to Australia for better life," he said. (The Hindu)

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Comments - 11

xlntgson Sunday, 21 April 2013 04:22 AM

What will happen to Tibetan, Assamese, Bengalis, Biharis living in India for generations, will they be considered Indians?

Fazli Sunday, 21 April 2013 04:26 AM

Yes, fair enough, they are'nt refugees any more, absorb them as they rightfully claim to live on in India.

JJ Lanka Sunday, 21 April 2013 04:38 AM

What have those cardboard hero's of South India done about these people who have lived in their backyard for two decades... if you are so empathic towards Tamils.. have you even attempted to help..This shows this is nothing but petty plotics!

Upali Sunday, 21 April 2013 05:10 AM

India fell into tears in Geneva weeping about SL Tamils. Now they can prove thier genuineness. Please grant citizenship as requested to these innocent people who have lived half their lifetime in Tamil Nadu, in refugee camps, no doubt enjoying luxurious conditions provided by Hon Jayalalitha and Hon Karunanidhi endlessly competing with each other for their service!

Change now Sunday, 21 April 2013 06:11 AM

What a strange situation. Why these Tamils are called refugees in their own homeland "Tamil Nadu". They have returned from another foreign country to be at HOME. Jayalalithas , Karunanidhis , Vaikos must welcome them with open arms and provide them all necessary amenities to these relatives. Central government of India must act swiftly to resolve the situation of these Tamils without any discrimination. If this story is true, Sri Lanka must take this situation to UN and expose the duplicity of INDIA. Tamils must be treated as legitimate Indians from Tamil Nadu and its their RIGHT.

saman Sunday, 21 April 2013 06:22 AM

I think ALL tamils living in Sri Lanka should be given Indian Citizenship and should be deported to India.

Pluto Sunday, 21 April 2013 09:46 AM

The known devil is better than the unknown angle.

sanath Sunday, 21 April 2013 10:32 AM

Tell this one to Jaya and karu,and ask them what they will have to say.

Crankhead Sunday, 21 April 2013 03:12 PM

People like you we're the cause of the first civil war. And will ignite another one if not careful.

Nodrog Sunday, 21 April 2013 04:01 PM

Time will tell if the 'angle' will turn into a devil. By then it will too late for these poor unfortunates.

vinoth Monday, 01 July 2013 10:00 AM

i m in painder so contet no 7200311304

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Lankan refugees demand Indian citizenship

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