Katchatheevu Island Retrieval Resolution in Tamil Nadu

In political move, the Tamil Nadu Assembly recently passed a resolution urging the Government of India to reclaim Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka. This resolution received unanimous support from all political parties present, denoting a rare moment of consensus. The resolution was announced by Speaker Appavu and was met with strong statements from Chief Minister MK Stalin, who addressed criticisms from opposition leader Edappadi Palaniswami. The issue of Katchatheevu has long been contentious, particularly concerning the rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen.

Background of Katchatheevu Island

Katchatheevu is a small island located in the Palk Strait, situated between India and Sri Lanka. In 1974, the island was ceded to Sri Lanka under an agreement between the two nations. This decision has led to ongoing disputes, primarily because Tamil Nadu fishermen frequently face arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing near the island. The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has been shaped by these arrests, leading to increased calls for the island’s retrieval.

Political Dynamics in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu Assembly’s resolution reflects the collective concern of various political parties about the plight of local fishermen. Chief Minister MK Stalin has been vocal about the need for the Union Government to intervene. He brought into light the alarming rate of arrests, noting that in 2024 alone, over 500 fishermen were apprehended. Stalin has consistently raised this issue in his communications with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stressing that retrieving Katchatheevu is vital for the welfare of Tamil Nadu’s fishing community.

Opposition Critique

Edappadi Palaniswami, Leader of Opposition and AIADMK chief, has critiqued the ruling DMK’s handling of the Katchatheevu issue. He pointed out that Katchatheevu was once part of the Ramanathapuram Samasthanam until its transfer to Sri Lanka in 1974. Palaniswami reminded the Assembly of past legal actions taken by former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, including a Supreme Court case in 2008 aimed at retrieving the island. He questioned the DMK’s commitment to the issue, citing its lengthy tenure in the central government without action.

Legal and Diplomatic Implications

The Katchatheevu issue also has legal ramifications. A Supreme Court ruling states that no land can be ceded to another country without the approval of both houses of Parliament. This ruling adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing debates. The AIADMK leader has also accused the DMK of using the Katchatheevu issue for political leverage ahead of the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The resolution passed in the Assembly now officially places the demand for Katchatheevu’s retrieval before the Union Government.

Current Status and Future Prospects

The resolution marks a critical step in the ongoing Katchatheevu dispute. It signals a collective political will to address the concerns of fishermen and assert Tamil Nadu’s claims. As the political landscape evolves, the resolution’s impact on Tamil Nadu’s relationship with the central government and Sri Lanka remains to be seen. The demand for Katchatheevu’s retrieval will likely continue to be a focal point in Tamil Nadu politics.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the implications of Katchatheevu’s cession on Tamil Nadu’s fishing community.
2. Examine the historical context of the Katchatheevu issue and its impact on India-Sri Lanka relations.
3. Analyse the political strategies employed by Tamil Nadu parties regarding Katchatheevu.
4. Estimate the potential consequences of the Katchatheevu resolution on upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the implications of Katchatheevu’s cession on Tamil Nadu’s fishing community.

1. Katchatheevu’s cession in 1974 led to increased arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
2. Fishermen often face violence and confiscation of boats, affecting their livelihoods.
3. The loss of fishing grounds has diminished economic opportunities for local communities.
4. Political mobilization around the issue reflects deep-rooted socio-economic concerns.
5. Calls for retrieval signify a demand for the protection of traditional fishing rights.

2. Examine the historical context of the Katchatheevu issue and its impact on India-Sri Lanka relations.

1. Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 under an agreement signed by both governments.
2. The transfer occurred during a period of political turmoil in both nations, complicating bilateral relations.
3. Fishermen’s arrests have strained relations, leading to diplomatic tensions and protests in Tamil Nadu.
4. The historical context marks the complexities of territorial disputes in South Asia.
5. Ongoing demands for retrieval reflect unresolved grievances impacting diplomatic ties.

3. Analyse the political strategies employed by Tamil Nadu parties regarding Katchatheevu.

1. Political parties leverage the Katchatheevu issue to rally support from the fishing community.
2. The ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK both use the issue to critique each other’s governance.
3. Resolutions and public statements serve to project commitment to fishermen’s rights.
4. Electoral cycles influence the urgency of political actions related to Katchatheevu.
5. Coalition-building among parties reflects a unified stance on regional issues despite internal rivalries.

4. Estimate the potential consequences of the Katchatheevu resolution on upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

1. The resolution may galvanize voter support for the ruling DMK by showcasing proactive governance.
2. Opposition parties may use the resolution to question the DMK’s past inaction during their central government tenure.
3. The issue could become a focal point in campaign strategies, influencing voter sentiment.
4. Heightened public awareness about fishermen’s rights may drive electoral turnout and engagement.
5. The resolution’s impact on the central government’s response may further shape political narratives leading to the elections.