RAMANATHAPURAM : Security agencies operating from Rameswaram have floated a new mechanism to regulate the influx of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees and curb smuggling activities by boatmen ferrying in the Tamils.

They intend restricting the arrival of refugees at Dhanushkodi and take strict action against landings made along the shoreline at other centres off Ramanathapuram.

Fresh influx

There has been a fresh influx of refugees from 12th January 2006 due to the renewed violence in the island nation.

As on date, over 62,000 refugees, comprising about 17,000 families have been accommodated in 105 camps, including two special camps, in 24 districts.

Though the security agencies have never prevented the attempts of Sri Lankan refugees to land on Indian soil, the way in which the illegal ferry operators from the island nation take this as an advantage has caused concern.

While some boatmen bring genuine refugees, others use it as an opportunity to smuggle goods, including explosive material. Officials estimate at least 30 identified landing centres along the 270-km coast off Ramanathapuram. Of these, Dhanushkodi is one of the two shortest routes (approximately 18 km) from Talaimannar.

According to the security agencies, boatmen who come to Dhanushkodi are generally not involved in any clandestine operations, except ferrying genuine refugees. Only those who prefer other centres were involved in "other activities" under the guise of bringing in refugees. The agencies say the shoreline close to Mandapam, Vedhalai, Kundhugal and nearby places are "preferred" destinations for smugglers.

"Though the final decision is pending, the proposed plan has been discussed at various levels. We cannot say no to refugees. But, if we introduce the plan, the security agencies can effective check smugglers, except genuine refugees," says a senior Defence officer.

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