NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi just lately made a scathing assault on Tamil Nadu’s ruling occasion DMK and Congress relating to the contentious problem of Katchatheevu Island. This dispute has now reemerged as a big political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu, significantly amidst the approaching 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Situated between India and Sri Lanka within the Palk Strait, Katchatheevu Island has develop into a focus of political debate, particularly because the BJP endeavours to realize traction in Tamil Nadu. The island’s switch to Sri Lanka in 1974 beneath the Congress authorities, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has sparked vehement criticism from PM Modi and the BJP, accusing the opposition of recklessly relinquishing strategic territory.
Accusations And Counter-Accusations
PM Modi’s current remarks have been prompted by studies revealing the involvement of then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in consenting to the island’s switch, regardless of the DMK’s outward opposition to the settlement. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar additional added gasoline to the fireplace by suggesting that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, additionally contemplated surrendering the island to Sri Lanka.
A current RTI question, initiated by Tamil Nadu BJP chief Ok Annamalai, disclosed that the late Indira Gandhi certainly ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974. PM Modi seized upon this revelation to castigate the Congress, reaffirming doubts about their trustworthiness.
National Ramifications
The controversy surrounding Katchatheevu Island extends past political posturing. PM Modi, throughout a rally in Meerut, underscored its implications for Tamil fishermen, who often face arrest and confiscation of their boats by Sri Lankan authorities. This problem has additionally been reiterated by EAM S Jaishankar, inserting the Congress on the defensive.
In response, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge defended the 1974 settlement, citing its pleasant intent. He drew parallels with the Modi authorities’s personal diplomatic gestures, akin to these made in the direction of Bangladesh.
What Is The Row Over Katchatheevu Island?
Katchatheevu Island, spanning 285 acres, lies simply 33 kilometres from the Indian coast. Historically, it was a contested territory throughout British Rule and have become a topic of renewed dispute post-independence, significantly regarding fishing rights. The 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement formalized its switch to Sri Lanka, a choice initially of little strategic significance however now beneath scrutiny amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Impact On Tamil Nadu’s Fishermen
The plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen, typically topic to punitive measures by Sri Lankan authorities, underscores the enduring significance of Katchatheevu Island for the state. The rights of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu are sometimes linked to the island and its surrounding waters because it has been argued that by “ceding” it to Sri Lanka, the Indian authorities curtailed the livelihood rights of its personal individuals within the southern state. Top political leaders from the state, together with J Jayalalithaa, and present Chief Minister M Ok Stalin, have vocally advocated for its reclaiming, with authorized avenues and diplomatic channels being explored to handle this longstanding problem.
