What is the story of Katchatheevu Island, which was handed over to Sri Lanka by the Indira government? PM Modi cornered Congress

After the reply received from RTI, the issue of handing over Katchatheevu island in Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka has become heated. According to RTI, in 1974 the then Indira Gandhi government had handed over this island to Sri Lanka. Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai had filed an RTI application regarding the island, after the reply of which came out, there was a political turmoil. PM Modi mentioned this in one of his tweets on Sunday.

He wrote in his tweet, Eye opening and shocking thing. New facts show how Congress ruthlessly abandoned #Katchatheevu. Every Indian is angry with this and it has settled in the minds of people that we can never trust Congress. Weakening the unity, integrity and interests of India has been the modus operandi of Congress for 75 years. Let us know what is the history of Katchatheevu Island.

Where is Katchatheevu Island and why was there a dispute?
Katchatheevu Island is in the Indian Ocean, off the southern tip of India. Spread over 285 acres, this island is situated between Rameshwaram of India and Sri Lanka. In the 17th century this island was under the rule of King Ramananda of Madurai. During the British rule, Katchatheevu island came to Madras Presidency. At that time this island held an important place for fisheries. This was the reason why both India and Sri Lanka had their own claims on this island for fishing. After independence, 4 agreements were made between 1974-76 regarding maritime boundaries. Under the agreement, Indian fishermen were allowed to rest and dry their nets on the island and the island was handed over to Sri Lanka.

Why was Sri Lanka handed over?
In the year 1974, an agreement was reached between the then Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi and the President of Sri Lanka Srimavo Bandaranaike. Under the agreement, Indira Gandhi handed over Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka. Talks regarding this agreement were held between the two countries on 26 June in Colombo and on 28 June in Delhi. Only after the meeting the island was handed over to Sri Lanka with certain conditions.

The condition was kept that Indian fishermen would continue to use it for drying their nets and taking rest. It was also said that Indians would not be allowed to visit the church built on this island without a visa. Nor will Indian fishermen be able to catch fish here.

The then Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi protested, the matter reached the Supreme Court
When Indira Gandhi handed over this island to Sri Lanka, there was maximum opposition in Tamil Nadu. The then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi had strongly opposed it. A resolution regarding this was passed in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 1991. The proposal demanded the return of that island. After this this matter also reached the Supreme Court.

In the year 2008, the then CM Jayalalitha had filed a petition in the Supreme Court. In the petition, there was a demand to declare the agreement regarding Katchatheevu Island invalid. It was said in the petition that gifting this island to Sri Lanka is unconstitutional.

From time to time there was political conflict regarding Katchatheevu Island. In 2011, when Jayalalitha again became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, she got a resolution passed in the Assembly regarding this.

PM Modi’s tweet

Eye opening and startling!

New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu.

This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in people’s minds- we can’t ever trust Congress!

Weakening India’s unity, integrity and interests has been Congress’ way of working for…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2024

What is the status now?
At present fish have become extinct in many parts of Tamil Nadu. Indian fishermen cross the International Maritime Boundary Line to reach Katchatheevu Island for fish. Indian fishermen have been detained many times by the Sri Lankan Navy. Which also comes in news frequently. Now amidst the Lok Sabha elections, this island has once again become a topic of debate. Regarding which PM Modi and Home Minister have tweeted.