These persons were part of the 64 Sri Lankan Tamils lodged in special camps in Poonnamallee and Chenglepet near Chennai and were involved in procuring arms for the banned LTTE besides communication equipment, Indian media reported quoting an official release from the office of the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order).

"They were permitted by the Tamil Nadu government to leave for the country of their choice after completion of cases, but they sought permission to stay in India. Their request cannot be accepted due to national security," the release said.