Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified his criticism against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regarding the Katchatheevu island controversy, following the emergence of new details shedding light on the matter. The Prime Minister’s remarks came after he shared an article providing a comprehensive account of the events leading to Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over the island.
In a scathing statement shared on social media platform X, PM Modi highlighted what he perceives as the DMK’s double standards, emphasizing that despite their rhetoric, the party has failed to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests effectively. He accused the DMK of prioritizing its own familial interests over the welfare of the people, particularly the fishermen and fisherwomen whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by the Katchatheevu issue.
Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMK’s double standards totally.
Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They don’t care for anyone…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2024
This latest salvo from PM Modi follows his previous criticism directed at the Congress party for its role in ceding control of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka during the tenure of the Indira Gandhi government in 1974. PM Modi asserted that this action by the Congress has provoked widespread anger among Indians, further eroding trust in the party. He accused the Congress of consistently undermining India’s unity, integrity, and national interests throughout its decades-long governance.
The Katchatheevu island, situated between Rameswaram in India and Sri Lanka, has historically been utilized by fishermen from both countries. However, in 1974, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi conceded the island’s sovereignty to Sri Lanka under the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement. This move was formalized through the 1974 Agreement, which recognized Sri Lanka’s control over the island and its surrounding waters in the Palk Strait and Palk Bay.
PM Modi’s remarks underscore the ongoing political fallout surrounding the Katchatheevu issue, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leveraging it as a point of criticism against its opponents, particularly the Congress and the DMK. The controversy has reignited debates over India’s territorial integrity and its responsibility to safeguard the interests of its citizens, especially those directly impacted by maritime boundary disputes.
As political tensions continue to escalate over the matter, the plight of the fishermen and fisherwomen affected by the loss of access to traditional fishing grounds remains a pressing concern. The renewed scrutiny prompted by PM Modi’s statements underscores the need for a comprehensive resolution to the longstanding dispute, one that balances diplomatic considerations with the welfare of the affected communities.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s latest remarks on the Katchatheevu issue signal a continued focus on leveraging historical grievances for political advantage while also drawing attention to the broader implications for national unity and sovereignty.
