Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted Congress on Sunday over the decision to handover Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka, accusing the party of weakening the country's integrity and interests. Modi's comments came in the aftermath of an enlightening and surprising RTI report that unveiled how the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Congress government ceded the island to Sri Lanka in 1974.
Terming the RTI report as 'eye-opening and shocking,' PM Modi articulated that this move has angered the citizens and 'one can never trust Congress.'
Source: aajtak
In his social media post, PM Modi stated that 'Eye-opening and shocking revelations! New facts demonstrate how ruthlessly Congress handed over Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. This has infuriated every Indian and implanted the notion that Congress can never be trusted! The method of Congress has always been to weaken India's unity, integrity, and interests.'
Home Minister Amit Shah also partook in the condemnation through his social media post, declaring 'Slow applause for Congress! They themselves relinquished the island without remorse. Whether it's a Congressman talking about dividing the country or maligning Indian culture and traditions, it shows that they are against India's unity and integrity. They seek only to divide or break our nation.'
Source: aajtak
Katchatheevu Island is a region frequented by fishermen from districts like Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu due to the depletion of fish in Indian waters. The fishermen cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) to reach the island but are often detained by the Sri Lankan navy.
This report is based on an RTI response received by Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai regarding the 1974 decision by the Indira Gandhi government to cede waters near the Palk Strait to the neighboring country, Sri Lanka. The report also refers to the comments made on this issue by the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Where is the Island Located?
The island is situated at the southern tip of India in the Indian Ocean, positioned between India's Rameswaram and Sri Lanka. It spans across 285 acres. The island was under the reign of Madurai's King Ramananda in the 17th century. During British rule, the island became a part of the Madras Presidency. In 1921, both India and Sri Lanka claimed the spot for fishing, but no substantial action followed. Post-independence, from 1974-76, four agreements were made concerning maritime boundaries. Under these agreements, Indian fishermen were given permission to dry their nets and rest on the island.
Why Was the Island Ceded to Sri Lanka?
In 1974, India's then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Sri Lanka's President Sirimavo Bandaranaike formulated an agreement. The provisions of this agreement saw the handing over of Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka. Dialogues occurred on 26 June in Colombo and on 28 June in Delhi between the nations. Subsequent to the discussions, the island was ceded to Sri Lanka with certain conditions. One condition allowed Indian fishermen to use the island to dry their nets, and another permitted Indians to visit the island's church visa-free. However, Indian fishermen were not authorized to fish on the island.
Recommended Read:
The Heated Opposition
Despite the cession, the decision was fiercely opposed in Tamil Nadu. The then Chief Minister Karunanidhi strongly protested the move. A resolution was passed in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 1991 demanding the island be returned, which eventually led to the matter being taken to the Supreme Court. In 2008, the then CM Jayalalithaa petitioned the Supreme Court to declare the agreement unconstitutional, claiming it was illegal to gift the island to Sri Lanka. Tamil Nadu's politics have always been heated over this issue. When Jayalalithaa once again became CM of Tamil Nadu in 2011, she ensured a resolution was passed in the Assembly regarding the island.
