Katchatheevu Island was ceded to Sri Lanka
Indian fishermen depend on it for their livelihood
PM Modi blamed Congress for ceding it
The Katchatheevu Island has sprung itself back in the news with Prime Minister Narendra Modi blaming Congress for ceding to Sri Lanka. And even as he does it, let’s have a look at its significance for India.
With China on an expansion drive in the Indian Ocean Region, it is in a strategic position. Indian authorities keep an eye on the developments there.
Indian fishermen are stakeholders in this tiny island. They used to depend on this island for their livelihood, but all thanks to the boundary disputes, access to it has been denied.
The roots of the island lie in Ramnad Zamindari.
One can’t also miss the religious significance attached to it due to the annual festival at St. Antony’s shrine. This attracts a lot of Indian devotees, particularly fishermen. They consider St. Antony as their patron deity.
If the boundaries are altered, it will go a long way in helping Indian fishermen. For them, it will allow them greater access to the area. The conflict between the two countries will also come down.
The political significance
With Lok Sabha elections round the corner, the BJP has attacked the Congress over giving away the island to Sri Lanka. In fact, an RTI query about Katchatheevu too had been filed by Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai in this regard.
Katchatheevu Island was ceded to Sri Lanka
Indian fishermen depend on it for their livelihood
PM Modi blamed Congress for ceding it
The Katchatheevu Island has sprung itself back in the news with Prime Minister Narendra Modi blaming Congress for ceding to Sri Lanka. And even as he does it, let’s have a look at its significance for India.
With China on an expansion drive in the Indian Ocean Region, it is in a strategic position. Indian authorities keep an eye on the developments there.
Indian fishermen are stakeholders in this tiny island. They used to depend on this island for their livelihood, but all thanks to the boundary disputes, access to it has been denied.
The roots of the island lie in Ramnad Zamindari.
One can’t also miss the religious significance attached to it due to the annual festival at St. Antony’s shrine. This attracts a lot of Indian devotees, particularly fishermen. They consider St. Antony as their patron deity.
If the boundaries are altered, it will go a long way in helping Indian fishermen. For them, it will allow them greater access to the area. The conflict between the two countries will also come down.
The political significance
With Lok Sabha elections round the corner, the BJP has attacked the Congress over giving away the island to Sri Lanka. In fact, an RTI query about Katchatheevu too had been filed by Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai in this regard.
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