Rameswaram: Security agencies in the State are concerned over the sudden increase in influx of Sri Lankan refugees to Tamil Nadu.

In the last five days, more than 300 refugees arrived at Rameswaram and reported at police stations on the island because of the escalating LTTE- Sri Lankan Government conflict.

As many as 91 arrived on Sunday, the second highest arrival on a single day since January 12.

Security agencies and state police agencies are having a trying time distinguishing between genuine refugees and those from the LTTE.

The Navy and Coast Guard allow refugees to land in Rameswaram on humanitarian grounds.

Intelligence wing personnel interview the refugees to ascertain their antecedents. But they find it difficult to collect information because of the heavy arrival.

"We need at least four to five hours to speak to each refugee. But we are in a position to handle an average of 60 refugees daily. In the process, we may miss vital information whether they have any link with LTTE or not. It is certainly a cause for concern. We have to devise new ideas," said an Intelligence officer.

Some illegal boat operators force the refugees to alight in sand dunes, miles away from the coastline, while a few others take the risk of landing them on the shores. Sri Lankan Tamils pay Rs.8, 000 in Sri Lankan currency per person for a trip.

According to the refugees here, thousands of Sri Lankan Tamils in Trincomalee and other areas have moved to the coastal areas of Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka to find a boat to take them to India.

But boats are scarce, they said.

22 refugees rescued

Navy personnel on Sunday rescued 22 Sri Lankan refugees, stranded at an isle near the International Maritime Boundary Line.

A fibre boat reportedly dropped all of them on Saturday morning.

On information, a trawler of the Navy went to the spot and rescued them. In the morning, 69 refugees in three groups reached Rameswaram Island.

Enquiries revealed that they hailed from Trincomalee, Thirukadalur, Pallathottam, Pathamkuruchi and other areas.

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