The decision made by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to hand over the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 has become a significant issue in Tamil Nadu during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has taken up this matter vigorously, leading to protests by hundreds of fishermen families in Tamil Nadu against the actions of the Sri Lankan Navy.
The Katchatheevu Island, located between Neduntheevu in Sri Lanka and Rameswaram in India, holds cultural significance for the fishermen of Tamil Nadu who have traditionally used it for fishing activities. The island was ceded to Sri Lanka, resulting in ongoing tensions between Tamil Nadu politicians and the Sri Lankan government.
Official documents obtained by TN BJP chief K Annamalai through an RTI application shed light on how Sri Lanka acquired the island, despite objections raised by Indian legal experts at the time of the handover. The note from the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the complexity of the legal aspects surrounding the sovereignty of the island.
Critics have accused Indira Gandhi of secretly negotiating the handover with her Sri Lankan counterpart during a visit to India, leading to protests and opposition from various quarters. The decision to relinquish the claim to Katchatheevu has been a point of contention for Tamil fishermen who continue to face challenges from the Sri Lankan Navy.
The issue has sparked debates about India’s sovereignty and the rights of Tamil fishermen, adding a new dimension to the political landscape in Tamil Nadu during the election season.
Image Source: hindupost.in
