RAMANATHAPURAM: Sri Lankan Tamil refugees at the Mandapam camp here say they feel safer and more secure in India in comparison to living in dread in their homeland.Several Tamil civilians were killed during the three-decade-long civil war in Sri Lanka between the LTTE and the Lankan army. Since 1982, several Lankan Tamils have sought refuge in India. In a humanitarian effort, the Indian government established more than 100 refugees camps to rehabilitate them.The refugees said they were eager to meet their relatives and others in Lanka, but the situation prevalent there was not conducive to their return. “We feel secure here and we’re leading a peaceful life,” was the unanimous reply.They receive a monthly dole, essential commodities at subsidised rates and free accommodation at the camp. They were being allowed to work in nearby areas to increase their income.The refugees have become comfortable moving among the locals too. Their children have access to better education and the women feel safe in their house with police protection in the camp, which, at present, houses 2,448 people from 750 families. “The children have forgotten Sri Lanka,” Loganathan of Mannar claims.Mathivathanan, the organiser of the Organisation for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OFERR), echoed the prevalent sentiment of satisfaction. “They wish to stay here till their last days and many of them are not ready to return to Sri Lanka.
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