Tamil Nadu passes resolution to retrieve Sri Lanka’s Katchatheevu Island

Thursday, 3 April 2025 05:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

IndiaToday: The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to take steps to retrieve Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka. Opposition parties of AIADMK and the BJP also supported the motion.

The resolution emphasised the challenges faced by Tamil Nadu’s fishermen due to ongoing arrests and seizures by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin led the discussion on the House floor, insisting that the only permanent solution was the retrieval of Katchatheevu and emphasised the ongoing plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen.

He urged the Union Government to amend the agreement with Sri Lanka and called on the Prime Minister, who was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka, to discuss the issue with its leaders.

“This House unanimously urges the Union Government to take all steps to retrieve Katchatheevu and secure the release of our fishermen,” Stalin declared.

“The Union Government seems to forget that Tamil Nadu fishermen are Indian fishermen as well,” he said, pointing out that despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 assurance that fishermen would not come under attack, they continued to face arrests and the seizure of their boats.

“In 2024 alone, over 500 fishermen have been arrested—that is two per day. The External Affairs Minister himself admitted in March that 97 fishermen are still in Sri Lankan prisons. This must stop,” Stalin said while presenting the resolution.

BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan supported the resolution but questioned why the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) had not taken action when it was in power at the Centre.

“We believe that only PM Modi can retrieve Katchatheevu,” she stated, while also pointing out, “But why didn’t the DMK raise this issue when they were in power at the Centre for decades?”

She referenced an RTI reply stating that Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister–Stalin’s father M Karunanidhi–at the time was aware of the island’s transfer and was expected to “keep reactions low-key.”

Stalin, however, rejected claims that the DMK had consented to giving away the island in 1974, stating, “DMK then opposed the decision and even convened an all-party meeting against it.”

With all parties, including the BJP, backing the resolution, it was passed unanimously.

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