Sri Lankan refugee camps in State under scanner

C. Jaishankar
Following reports of alleged recruitment for LTTE there 60,000 refugees are accommodated in 105 camps in Tamil Nadu
RAMANATHAPURAM: Intelligence agencies, particularly Intelligence Bureau (IB) and `Q' branch CID, have stepped up vigil at the Mandapam refugee camp and other camps in the State following reports of alleged recruitment for Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) there through its agents.
According to a report posted in ...the official website of Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry, the LTTE had asked its operatives to approach Tamil refugees, particularly youth, who recently fled the country and took asylum in Tamil Nadu, to return to the Island nation in order to join LTTE in their fight against Sri Lankan forces.
Following the report, the intelligence agencies in Ramanathapuram and other parts of the State have increased surveillance on Sri Lankan refugees living in various camps.
According to a rough estimate, more than 60,000 refugees from Sri Lanka have been accommodated in 105 camps in Tamil Nadu. Of these, Mandapam camp near Rameswaram and Kottapattu camp in Tiruchi are considered big camps.
More than 19,000 refugees, who have arrived since January 2006, have also been given shelters in various camps. In Mandapam camp alone, just above 5,000 refugees are accommodated.
"No chance"
Reacting to the reports, the intelligence officials summarily rejected the chances of recruitment for Tamil rebels in Sri Lanka. "No body can approach refugees with the so-called motive, as all their activities and movements are being closely monitored. We have posted a strong network to track down illegal activities, if any. They cannot escape from our surveillance," an officer of `Q' branch told The Hindu .
He said that personnel monitoring the refugee camps and inmates would be asked to collect more information about the latest inputs also. Refugees, who were living outside refugee camps, would also be monitored.