DMK’s Push for Citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils

On World Refugee Day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called for support for those severely affected by wars.

In a social media post, Mr. Stalin highlighted the stateless individuals caused by wars. He recalled that under his government, the ‘refugee camps’ housing Sri Lankan Tamils were renamed ‘rehabilitation camps’.

On Friday, Chennai hosted an event to commemorate World Refugee Day organised by the UNHCR and various NGOs. Minister of Minorities and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, S.M. Nasar, emphasised the welfare efforts being made for Sri Lankan Tamils in state camps.

Chief Guest and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi announced her party’s continued efforts to grant Indian citizenship to all willing Sri Lankan Tamils.

UNHCR India’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Margriet Veenma, stressed the urgent need for governments, corporations, and civil societies to unite, develop innovative solutions for refugees, and foster change in solidarity with them.

Commissioner of Rehabilitation and Non-Resident Tamil Welfare, M. Vallalar, reported that 3,000 of the 10,000 housing units planned for Sri Lankan Tamil nationals have been completed.

Member of the State government’s constituted committee, Govi. Lenin, shared that eight individuals from the camps have obtained Indian citizenship through the courts.

Senior journalist R.K. Radhakrishnan moderated a panel discussion on solidarity and resilience.

The discussion featured CEO of Startup TN, Sivarajah Ramanathan; author A.C. Vijidharan; film and theatre actor Shanmugarajan; lyricist Parvathy Meera; assistant director Johnson; and artist Neha.