Katchatheevu Dispute Heats Up in TN Assembly

The Katchatheevu issue led to a heated political debate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with ruling and opposition parties blaming each other over the 1974 agreement involving the small island.

During the discussion, TVK minister Nirmal Kumar reportedly blamed former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for the decision to hand over Katchatheevu. His remarks drew a strong response from the DMK, which rejected the allegation.

The DMK argued that the agreement was made between the governments of India and Sri Lanka under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The party said the decision should not be blamed only on the Tamil Nadu government or Karunanidhi.

Congress MLA Tharahai Cuthbert defended the agreement and said it had strategic benefits for India. She pointed to the Wadge Bank area and argued that the agreement was connected to India’s wider national and economic interests.

The debate also turned political, with the DMK accusing TVK of using the Katchatheevu issue mainly to create content for social media reels. The party suggested that the issue was being used to gain public attention rather than for a serious discussion about Tamil Nadu’s long-standing concerns.

Katchatheevu has remained a sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu, especially because of concerns about the rights and safety of Indian fishermen. Political parties have repeatedly raised the issue over the years, demanding protection for fishermen who face difficulties while fishing in the waters around the island.

The latest Assembly debate once again brought the Katchatheevu agreement into the political spotlight, with different parties presenting different views about who was responsible for the decision and whether the agreement benefited India.