The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Central Government of India to take immediate steps to retrieve Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka.

This move aims to safeguard the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu's fishermen, who have faced numerous challenges due to the island's current status. 

Background of the Resolution

Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. In 1974, the island was ceded to Sri Lanka through a bilateral agreement between the two nations. Since then, the region has been a point of contention, particularly affecting Tamil Nadu's fishing community. Fishermen from the state have frequently been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly trespassing into Sri Lankan waters near Katchatheevu. ?

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized the urgency of addressing the fishermen's plight, highlighting that in 2024 alone, over 500 fishermen were arrested, averaging nearly two arrests per day.

He asserted that reclaiming Katchatheevu is the only permanent solution to these recurring issues. ?

Political Consensus and Historical Context

The resolution received unanimous support from all parties present in the Assembly, including the opposition AIADMK and BJP. This consensus underscores the collective recognition of the issue's significance across the political spectrum in Tamil Nadu. ?

Historically, the ceding of Katchatheevu has been a contentious topic. The island was part of the Ramanathapuram Samasthanam until 1948 and was handed over to Sri Lanka in 1974 when the Congress party was in power at the Centre and the DMK ruled Tamil Nadu. This historical context adds layers to the current demands for its retrieval. ?

Implications and Future Steps

The Assembly's resolution calls upon the Central Government to engage diplomatically with Sri Lanka to facilitate the retrieval of Katchatheevu. It also urges Prime Minister Modi to address the issue during his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need for a permanent solution to protect Tamil Nadu's fishermen and their livelihoods. ?
This development reflects Tamil Nadu's steadfast commitment to resolving the longstanding issues faced by its fishing community and reaffirms the state's dedication to safeguarding their rights and well-being.