A comprehensive evaluation of India-Sri Lanka relations, particularly in the context of the ongoing peace talks between Colombo and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), would not be complete without taking into account the plight of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees residing in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. New Delhi's maladroit handling of Sri Lankan issues is mirrored in its approach to the displaced Tamils. Lacking a definite policy, South Block has deferred responsibility for the problem to the state government of Tamil Nadu.
For its part, Tamil Nadu's government is pinning its hopes on the ongoing peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE. There were some discussions about the rehabilitation of displaced persons during the first two rounds in September and November 2002, but nothing definite was said about refugees living in India. Tamil Nadu expects that the concerned parties will arrive at an agreement soon, following which the refugees will be repatriated into north and east Sri Lanka. Clearly, it is not taking its cue from New Delhi's wishes.
While the governments flounder, the refugee problem looms large in Tamil Nadu. According to official figures released five years ago, there are three types of refugees living in the state: those lacking any resources, numbering about 67,485 and housed in 133 'ordinary' camps across the state; those living outside the camps, estimated at 25,000, many of whom are reasonably well off, stay with relatives or friends and are required to register their movements with police stations; and the 2000-odd militants detained in 'special' camps set up in 1990. Most refugees in the third category face prosecution under the Indian Foreigners Act, the Passport Act or various anti-terrorism laws.
But these official estimates, which place the refugee population at less than 100,000, may well be off the mark. Unofficial estimates of Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu put the number at 250,000. In addition to people displaced by ethnic strife, natural disasters and economic hardship, there are labourers, petty shopkeepers and countless others who have fled the southern island for better opportunities in India. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees are predominantly Hindus of the Dravidian linguistic group and are socially and culturally akin to the people living in the state.