Wed Apr 02 08:23:09 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu Demands Return of Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka**

Chennai, April 2, 2025 – The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution today urging the Indian government to reclaim Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, cites the ongoing harassment of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy as the primary reason.

Mr. Stalin highlighted the continued arrests and seizures of fishing boats, stating that 530 fishermen were arrested in 2024 alone. He emphasized that the only permanent solution is the retrieval of Katchatheevu, a small island in the Palk Strait, which was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974. He revealed that he has written 74 letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister on this issue, but to no avail. The resolution also calls for the release of all imprisoned fishermen during Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Sri Lanka.

The Chief Minister refuted claims that the previous Tamil Nadu government willingly ceded Katchatheevu, presenting evidence of strong opposition from then-Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and other DMK members. He cited several past resolutions passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly demanding the island’s return.

While the resolution received unanimous support, Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami questioned the DMK’s effectiveness in resolving the issue despite being a coalition partner in previous central governments. A brief debate ensued, with the Chief Minister reiterating his commitment and urging a focus on the resolution’s purpose. The debate also included a brief exchange regarding the role of previous governments in the 1974 agreement.

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