Bharat’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, criticized the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for its alleged involvement in the longstanding Katchatheevu island issue. Speaking at an event in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Jaishankar addressed the controversy surrounding the island, situated between Rameswaram in Bharat and Sri Lanka.
#WATCH | Bikaner, Rajasthan: On Katchatheevu island controversy, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "…We want to make the public understand what DMK is doing in Tamil Nadu…We are exposing the fact that the DMK was involved in it from the start. The talks were happening behind closed… pic.twitter.com/7TjtXP27E2
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2024
Jaishankar accused the DMK of misleading the people of Tamil Nadu, asserting that the party had been actively engaged in the matter from the outset. He highlighted that while the DMK publicly distances itself and blames the central government, discussions behind closed doors reveal their involvement.
The External Affairs Minister revealed that during secretive negotiations, the then DMK chief minister had agreed to certain terms regarding the Katchatheevu island. He emphasized the need to inform the public about political parties’ contradictory actions, stating, “There are parties who say something in Parliament and decide something else behind closed doors.”
Jaishankar also criticized the Congress party, referencing statements made by Bharat’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, regarding Aksai Chin. He alleged that such remarks reflected the Congress’s detachment from Bharat’s territorial integrity, suggesting a lack of concern for the country’s land.
The Katchatheevu island dispute, which involves territorial and fishing rights, has gained prominence ahead of general elections. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition have engaged in a war of words over the issue, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between parties.
In 1974, the Bharatiya government accepted Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory under the “Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement.” The decision has been contentious, especially considering the traditional use of the island by both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also weighed in on the issue, targeting the Congress and DMK for their roles. Modi criticized the Congress for “callously” giving away the island and accused the ruling party of Tamil Nadu of failing to protect the state’s interests.
The Katchatheevu island dispute continues to be a focal point of political discourse, highlighting the complexities of territorial disputes and the role of political parties in addressing such matters.
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