Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Katchatheevu issue during a rally in Rajasthan, responding to senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh’s recent controversial statement questioning the significance of the island. Without directly naming Singh, Modi criticized the dismissive attitude towards uninhabited territories, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty.
Referring to Singh’s comment, Modi questioned whether the absence of human habitation warranted relinquishing territorial claims. He highlighted the broader implications of such attitudes, drawing parallels with historical disputes like Aksai Chin. Modi criticized the narrow perspective that views uninhabited land merely as vacant space, warning against the potential consequences of such thinking on national security.
The Katchatheevu issue has gained political traction ahead of elections, with the BJP alleging that the island was ceded to Sri Lanka by the Congress government. Singh’s remarks further fueled the controversy, prompting criticism from BJP leaders who likened it to Nehru’s characterization of Aksai Chin as “barren land.”
Modi underscored the historical and strategic significance of territories like Katchatheevu, emphasizing their connection to national security and sovereignty. He urged Congress leaders to understand the broader implications of territorial issues, particularly in regions like Rajasthan with deep historical ties to Jammu and Kashmir.
As the Katchatheevu dispute becomes a focal point in Tamil Nadu politics, the Congress has dismissed BJP’s claims as baseless, accusing them of political opportunism. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram questioned Modi’s past actions on the issue, highlighting the lack of substantive engagement with Sri Lanka during BJP’s tenure.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar weighed in on the issue, alleging DMK’s involvement in the decision to cede Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. He criticized the lack of transparency in negotiations, emphasizing the need for accountability in handling territorial matters.As the political debate intensifies, the Katchatheevu issue underscores the complexities of territorial disputes and their implications for regional geopolitics.
