Sri Lankan Media Reports Katchatheevu Island Row as ‘Fact Distortion
The recent uproar over the transfer of Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka has stirred significant controversy, particularly within the Sri Lankan media. They have accused the Indian government of exploiting communal sentiments for electoral gains, especially in Tamil Nadu, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha Election on April 19, 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, blaming them for mishandling the Katchatheevu issue and neglecting the state’s interests.
While Sri Lanka’s government has yet to officially respond to Modi’s and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s statements regarding Katchatheevu, local media outlets have been swift in their condemnation of India’s actions.
The Daily Mirror, an English newspaper based in Colombo, condemned Jaishankar and Modi for what they see as an attempt to stoke communal tensions for political gain in Tamil Nadu. They urged for Sri Lanka to be kept out of India’s internal political maneuvers.
Similarly, the Daily Financial Times criticized India’s narrative, labeling it as a distortion of facts and a dangerous provocation to a neighboring ally. They warned against the potential consequences of such actions, suggesting that it could compel Sri Lanka to seek security assurances from other nations.
Meanwhile, PM Modi took to social media to highlight reports indicating that despite publicly opposing the Katchatheevu agreement, the DMK did not take any concrete steps to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests. He accused both the DMK and Congress of prioritizing their own political interests over the welfare of the people, particularly the fishermen affected by the Katchatheevu issue.
The controversy surrounding Katchatheevu Island dates back to 1974 when India transferred administrative control to Sri Lanka through a bilateral agreement. However, this agreement failed to address maritime boundaries, leading to ongoing disputes over fishing rights and territorial sovereignty, which have strained relations between the two countries.
Indian fishermen have frequently been detained by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly trespassing in waters near Katchatheevu, exacerbating tensions. Efforts to resolve the issue have been ongoing, but disagreements persist.
Overall, the controversy over Katchatheevu Island has once again highlighted the complex dynamics between India and Sri Lanka, with both countries grappling to balance political interests and territorial disputes while maintaining diplomatic relations.
