Tamil Nadu House okays resolution for retrieval of Katchatheevu

Chief minister MK Stalin introduced the resolution urging Modi to speak of the continued attacks on fishermen during his trip to Sri Lanka, from April 3-6, and also take efforts to retrieve the Katchatheevu island. Though the opposition AIADMK and BJP accused the DMK of ceding the island when their ally Congress was governing at the Centre, they backed the resolution’s demand.

“Retrieval of Katchatheevu island is the only permanent solution to protect the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen and to mitigate the sufferings faced by them due to the Sri Lankan Navy,” the resolution read. The resolution also urged the Prime Minister to use diplomacy with Sri Lanka to ensure that all imprisoned fishermen are released along with their boats.

In 2024, a total of 530 fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. “These fishermen were given maximum prison sentences or hefty fines on claims that they crossed the maritime boundary,” Stalin said.