MADRAS: With the arrival of over 1000 Sri Lankan Tamils on Monday, the total number of refugees who have crossed over to the southern Indian state of Tamil ‘Nadu since the renewed hostilities between the militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and Sri Lankan armed forces in June 1990, has reached 90,000.
Officials here said more than 18,000 refugees had reached Tamil Nadu since the beginning of this month. However, only on two days did large contingents of refugees arrive 2,800 on Aug 11 and 3,000 on Aug 13.
Subsequently owing to larger sums demanded by boatmen for ferrying the refugees the influx has reduced. Whereas early this month the boatmen charged Rs 500 to 600, per person, they have increased the charges to anything between Rs 1000-1200 per head now, the officials said.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 7, 1990
