Katchatheevu Island Issue: Regarding the Katchatheevu island issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attacked the DMK on Monday, claiming the Tamil Nadu ruling party did little to protect the state’s interests.
PM Modi’s Allegations Against Congress
PM Modi said on Sunday, citing a media report, that new information showed the Congress had “callously” given the island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. The study draws from an RTI response that Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai obtained regarding the 1974 decision of the then-government of Indira Gandhi to cede the land across the Palk Strait to the neighbouring country.
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister, stated that he would not hesitate to give up claims to the island, which is a point of contention between India and Lanka. This statement was also included in the report.
AIADMK’s Stance on Katchatheevu Issue
External Affairs Minister’s Call for Solution on Katchatheevu Issue
BJP leader and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Katchatheevu issue at a press conference on Monday, saying that a solution must be found and that the government will need to negotiate with the Sri Lankan side. We now know who “hid” the Katchatheevu agreement, according to Jaishankar, who also stated that it is imperative to present the “full truth” of Katchatheevu to the public at this time.
“The fact is we know today actually not just who did it but also who hid it, who were all the parties who were responsible for the 1974 Katchatheevu agreement, also how the fishing rights were terminated in 1976. You all know who is responsible, for today it is important for the public to know, for the people to judge, so we believe today that at a time when there are big debates and decisiong going on in the country, the full truth of Katchatheevu and on Tamil fishermen’s activities and right of living should be placed before the public,” Jaishankar said.
The prime ministers at the time, according to Jaishankar, “displayed indifference about the Indian territory and simply did not care”. “We are talking about 1958 and 1960. The main people in the case wanted to make sure that at least we should get the fishing rights. The island was given away in 1974 and the fishing rights were given away in 1976. One, the most basic recurring [aspect] is the indifference shown by the then central government and the PMs about the territory of India. That fact is they simply did not care.” Jaishankar said.
Congress President’s Response to PM Modi’s Allegations
Tamil Nadu Congress President K Selvaperunthagai responds to PM Modi’s tweet, “Can’t trust Congress, they gave away Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka.” He said, “First, you should ask (PM) Modi what is happening on China border. How many square kilometres of area has been captured by China in Arunachala Pradesh, Ladakh? Ask him to give a white paper report. He should tell what his government has done in the last 10 years. They have done nothing.”
PM Modi Accuses DMK of Inaction on Katchatheevu Issue
Regarding the Katchatheevu island issue, Prime Minister Modi took aim at the DMK on Monday, saying the Tamil Nadu ruling party did nothing to protect the interests of the state. “New details emerging on the issue of India handing over the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lank have unmasked the DMK’s double standards totally,” PM Modi said on X.
He referenced a news article that stated that, despite public statements from his party, the DMK, opposing the pact, then chief minister M Karunanidhi had granted his approval. The media article is based on an RTI response that Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai obtained in response to his inquiries concerning the 1974 Indo-Lanka pact, which was signed during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
PM Modi Slams DMK’s Inaction on Katchatheevu Issue
“Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests. New details emerging on Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMK’s double standards totally,” PM Modi said. “The Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They don’t care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular,” he added.
