Tamil Nadu - Others   

145 Sri Lankan refugees arrive at Azhiyanilai camp near Pudukottai

M. Balaganessin

Hope to get jobs in nearby sugarcane factory

PUDUKOTTAI: About 145 Sri Lankan refugees have been shifted to the Azhiyanilai refugee camp, about 35 km from here, from the Mandapam camp a few days ago.

Though they feel out-of-place at a new environment, better amenities at this camp is said have come as a relief to them. To be ferried to Dhanushkodi on the Indian coast, each adult had paid Rs.7,000. Most of them had sold their jewellery and even household articles or used their entire savings to meet the expense.

Some of the affluent families had reached India by flight, shelling out Rs.21,000 for the airfare. "Air travel is safer, especially for women and children," says C. Sivasubramanian (53) of Trincomalee, whose six relatives had travelled by air. He had left his fibreglass boats at the custody of his friends back home.

Seeking jobs

Following the sudden displacement, the refugees are hunting for jobs. The presence of a sugarcane factory in the vicinity has raised the hopes of getting a job for some and they have started making enquiries, says S. Davaseelan (29). Interestingly some have taken to self-employment already. Like R. Nirmala (40), who sells snacks to fellow refugees.

More facilities needed

With each shelter measuring just 10 feet x 10 feet, big families face difficulties. Some families with four to seven members share the available space. A pregnant woman, Gita Bamini, says that her shelter, at a distance from the toilet, is inconvenient. She wants additional toilets to be constructed, as she has to walk a long distance. Many demand adequate supply of kerosene.

The District Collector, S. J. Chiru, said that repair works were executed on a war footing at the refugee camp. He assured to look into the other grievances of the refugees.

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