By IANS,
Chennai : Three Sri Lankan refugees from strife-torn northern areas of the island nation arrived in the coastal Tamil Nadu town of Rameshwaram by a fishing boat after reportedly paying Rs.25,000 for the cross over, police said Friday.
“The refugees had paid upto Rs.50,000 in Sri Lankan currency (Rs.25,000) to reach the Indian territorial waters,” a police source said.
According to the police, the refugees were dropped at a sand dune off Dhanushkodi by a Sri Lankan boat around midnight Thursday and were brought to Rameshwaram by a local fishing boat. Rameshwaram is 600 km south of here.
“The refugees admitted parting with gold jewellery towards part of the cost and yet were marooned on a sand dune without water. They have been sent to Mandapam camp after due enquiry,” source added.
Over 100 refugees have crossed over from Sri Lanka since January this year fleeing the fierce fighting in the island’s northern areas.