Thyagu, Editor, Tamil Desam, felt that discussions on refugees centred around only the facilities made available to them and not their rights. He wondered how the refugees could be sent back when Tamils living in Sri Lanka were still under surveillance of the army. The government was talking about sending back only refugees from Sri Lanka and not those from Myanmar, Bangladesh or Tibet, Mr. Thyagu said.

Human rights educationist Devasagayam said that Sri Lankan Tamils were neither accepted as refugees nor recognised as citizens here as India was not a signatory to the UN Convention. According to a press release, C. J. Rajan, State president, Samam, said that Sri Lankan Tamil refugees residing in camps across Tamil Nadu should not be forced to go back.

The individual’s wish should be ascertained before making any attempt at deportation. The government should not act in any manner that would be detrimental to freedom of Sri Lankan Tamils living in 107 refugee camps in the State.
(thehindu.com)