S Jaishankar Highlights Katchatheevu Island Dispute: Political Row Intensifies
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the media on Monday, shedding light on the longstanding territorial and fishing rights dispute surrounding Katchatheevu Island. His statements came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the DMK for its stance on the issue.
Jaishankar emphasized that the Katchatheevu issue has been a subject of debate in Parliament for decades, with successive Prime Ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, displaying indifference towards Indian fishermen’s rights. He cited Nehru’s observation from 1961, where he deemed the island insignificant and expressed readiness to relinquish India’s claim.
Highlighting the Congress and DMK’s approach, Jaishankar accused them of neglecting Tamil Nadu’s interests and failing to address the Katchatheevu issue effectively. He noted that the DMK leadership, including former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, was well-informed about the 1974 agreement with Sri Lanka, despite their public opposition.
Jaishankar reiterated the Modi government’s efforts to secure the release of detained Indian fishermen and stressed the need for dialogue with Sri Lanka to find a resolution.
Modi’s earlier remarks on the issue echoed similar sentiments, condemning the DMK’s alleged double standards and criticizing the Congress for its historical approach to national interests.
The political dispute over Katchatheevu Island continues to escalate, with both the ruling BJP and opposition parties engaging in heated exchanges, underscoring its significance in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
