DMK, Left Parties Jointly Urge Centre to Reclaim Katchatheevu, Review 1974 Indo-Lanka Pact
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Chennai, April 4, 2025 — In a significant political development, the ruling DMK and Left parties in Tamil Nadu have jointly reiterated their long-standing demand for the retrieval of Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka. The call comes as Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged the Central Government to review the 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan agreement, which ceded the strategic islet to Sri Lanka.
On April 2, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to reclaim Katchatheevu and ensure the protection of traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen. The resolution received support from across the political spectrum, including the AIADMK and BJP, but it was the coordinated move by the DMK and Left that added weight to the demand.
Historic Opposition Revived
Chief Minister Stalin, in his address to the Assembly, emphasized that Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the 1974 agreement. He pointed out that several resolutions were passed in 1991, 2013, and 2014 under different governments, all demanding the retrieval of the island. Stalin also recalled how Tamil MPs had protested in Parliament when the agreement was signed.
“The lives and livelihoods of our fishermen continue to be at risk. Only by retrieving Katchatheevu can we bring a permanent solution to this crisis,” Stalin said. He also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit to Sri Lanka (April 3–6), requesting immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the release of 97 Indian fishermen and their boats currently detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Left-DMK Unity Sends Strong Signal
The coordinated stance by the DMK and Left parties reflects growing political pressure on the Centre to take decisive steps. “This is not just a Tamil Nadu issue, it’s a national issue of territorial integrity and fishermen’s rights,” said a spokesperson for the CPI(M).
Opposition Support with Caution
While the AIADMK and BJP backed the Assembly resolution, they criticized the DMK for allegedly politicizing the issue ahead of the 2026 state elections. In response, Stalin maintained that the demand transcends party politics and is rooted in humanitarian and constitutional concerns.
Broader Implications
Experts warn that reclaiming Katchatheevu could complicate India-Sri Lanka relations, especially amid China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region. However, supporters argue that the humanitarian and security stakes for India are too high to ignore.
As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on the Central Government’s response to the latest appeal from Tamil Nadu — a state united across party lines on this sensitive geopolitical issue.
