NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lately made a scathing assault on Tamil Nadu’s ruling occasion DMK and Congress concerning the contentious difficulty of Katchatheevu Island. This dispute has now reemerged as a major political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu, notably amidst the approaching 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Located between India and Sri Lanka within the Palk Strait, Katchatheevu Island has turn out to be 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 stories 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. Exterior Affairs Minister S Jaishankar additional added gasoline to the hearth 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.
Nationwide Ramifications
The controversy surrounding Katchatheevu Island extends past political posturing. PM Modi, throughout a rally in Meerut, underscored its implications for Tamil fishermen, who incessantly face arrest and confiscation of their boats by Sri Lankan authorities. This difficulty has additionally been reiterated by EAM S Jaishankar, putting 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, corresponding 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. Traditionally, it was a contested territory throughout British Rule and have become a topic of renewed dispute post-independence, notably regarding fishing rights. The 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Settlement formalized its switch to Sri Lanka, a call initially of little strategic significance however now beneath scrutiny amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Impression On Tamil Nadu’s Fishermen
The plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen, usually 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. High 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 difficulty.
