Is Prime Minister Modi’s election slogan?
A controversial issue has arisen once again concerning the ownership of Katchchateevu Island. This was sparked by a recent statement by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
He claimed that the Congress government had acted carelessly in handing over the island to Sri Lanka in 1974, despite a longstanding dispute between the two countries over its ownership.
Previously, the issue had remained dormant, but Modi’s statement has brought it back into the spotlight and raised concerns amongst Indians about the island’s status.
A severe charge against Congress
In 1974, the Indian Congress Party took certain decisions that weakened the unity of India. One of those decisions was handing over the Katchchatheevu island to Sri Lanka.
Indira Gandhi’s government gave Katchchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka as a particular decision to strengthen the Indo-Ceylon relationship. BJP MP obtained some facts under the Freedom of Information Act, which led Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to state that the Congress government implemented this decision carelessly.
This decision has become an incident that angers every Indian. The Prime Minister also pointed out that the Congress Party can never be trusted due to these activities, which are believed by the vast majority of Indians.
Is it a strategy to win the hearts of Tamil Nadu?
Some moderates have commented that hearing political statements like the ones made by Prime Minister Modi is expected in the run-up to the Indian general election.
They believe that the intention behind Modi’s statements is not to cause harm to Sri Lanka or to take back Katchchatheevu Island. Instead, they think Modi’s statements aim to gain more support for his political party during the election.
The Tamil Nadu Fishermen’s Unions have announced that they plan to boycott next month’s elections to protest against the continued arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
They are also unhappy with the Indian government’s failure to provide a concrete solution to the problem. The island of Katchchatheevu has become a significant topic and a common issue in Indian politics during every election. However, some people believe that Prime Minister Modi’s recent statement suggests something else.
Will Katchchatheevu be taken back from Sri Lanka?
The Prime Minister of India has pledged not to take away Kachchathivu Island from Sri Lanka, which demonstrates India’s commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
This is a significant political issue that has gained strong support amongst the Indian populace, who trust that Prime Minister Modi will uphold this guarantee.
The history of Katchchatheevu
It is essential to explore the history of Katchchatheevu Island. According to a map drawn during the Dutch era in 1800, R. L. Brohier pointed out in 1950 that Kachchathivu Island is a part of the northern region of Sri Lanka.
Historical records also confirm that the island is a territory of Sri Lanka. James Emerson Tenest wrote in his book ‘Ceylon’ in 1860 that Katchchatheevu Island is a part of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, a map created by John Arrowsmith in London on January 15, 1857, shows that the island is a part of the Jaffna Peninsula.
The conflict over the ownership of the island ended like this
The ownership of Katchchatheevu Island has been a contentious issue, particularly in Tamil Nadu politics. The former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha Jayaram, advocated for the island to be handed over to India.
In 2016, she reiterated her stance and tried to turn it into a pledge. The argument was that the island, assigned to Sri Lanka in 1974, was a traditional resting place for Tamil Nadu fishermen.
Under the agreement, Indian fishermen had the right to fish in the waters surrounding the island. However, a subsequent agreement in 1976 revoked this right, which was viewed as a powerful tool for Tamil Nadu politicians to challenge both agreements.
Since 1947, there has been a longstanding dispute over the ownership of Katchchateevu Island. However, in 1974, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were able to provide a permanent solution to the crisis through a special agreement.
As a result of this agreement, ownership of the island was handed over to Sri Lanka, which was celebrated in Sri Lankan newspapers with headlines like “Motherland wins rights – Indian giants kneel”. Indira Gandhi and Sirimavo Bandaranaike shared a close friendship, which undoubtedly contributed to the successful resolution of the dispute. However, it should also be noted that diplomatic negotiations played a crucial role in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Location and Importance
Kachchathiv Island is an uninhabited island situated 90 km away from Kankasanthuraya port. The island is visited only once a year during the annual festival of Katchchatheevu.
The festival includes the yearly Deva Mangalya( Sinhala Name), a religious event held at Saint Anthony Church, located on the island. The pilgrimage is a tradition that attracts many Indians, and the Sri Lankan community also joins it.
It is worth noting that although the island belongs to Sri Lanka, its religious practices are unique and widely followed. Fishermen mostly attend the feast of St. Anthony’s Church on Katchchatheevu Island, which is about forty-two sea miles from Jaffna.
From 1982 to 2009, Katchchatheevu Island was a prohibited area due to terrorist influences from the LTTE in the northern part of Sri Lanka. However, with the war’s end in 2009, the celebration of St. Anthony Munidu in Katchchatheevu Island resumed in 2010.
