External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of the Opposition regarding the Katchatheevu island controversy. He highlighted that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, expressed a willingness to give away the island to Sri Lanka. The issue resurfaced after Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai obtained information through an RTI request regarding the 1974 pact under the Indira Gandhi government, which accepted the island as Sri Lankan territory.
Dr. Jaishankar referenced former External Affairs Minister Swaran Singh’s 1974 parliamentary address, emphasizing the assurance given at the time. However, he noted that by 1976, a subsequent agreement was reached, effectively relinquishing India’s fishing rights around the island. He highlighted the adverse consequences, including the detention of Indian fishermen and the seizure of fishing vessels by Sri Lankan authorities over the years.
The External Affairs Minister emphasized the persistence of the Katchatheevu issue in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, with continuous efforts by various parties to address it. He criticized the Congress and DMK for their handling of the matter, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities. Dr. Jaishankar outlined India’s historical claim to the island and the subsequent agreements that led to the loss of fishing rights.
Quoting statements from Nehru and Indira Gandhi expressing indifference towards the island, Dr. Jaishankar portrayed a dismissive attitude from the Congress towards Katchatheevu. Prime Minister Modi echoed these sentiments, condemning the Congress for its role in relinquishing the island and accusing the DMK of inaction.
In response, Congress’s Manickam Tagore dismissed the BJP’s accusations as a diversionary tactic, arguing that the decision to cede the island was made to protect Tamil interests. DMK’s A Saravanan criticized the BJP for raising the issue, attributing it to their apprehension of electoral losses in Tamil Nadu.
