Stalin Asks PM Modi To Intervene In Katchatheevu, BJP Says 'DMK Did Nothing When At Centre'

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 09:16 IST

Chief Minister MK Stalin recalled that the state Assembly had adopted a resolution on April 2 this year, seeking Katchatheevu's retrieval.

MK Stalin urges PM Modi to intervene in Katchatheevu dispute (PTI Image)

Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday alleged that the BJP-led Centre did not have the slightest concern for Tamil Nadu fishermen and that the BJP only does politics over who ceded Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka.

Addressing a government event, Stalin said that the state government is taking all necessary steps to protect fishermen and their traditional fishing rights.

He added that whenever he meets the Prime Minister, he urges the central government to take back Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka, as this would help permanently solve the issues faced by Tamil Nadu’s fishermen.

He recalled that the state Assembly had adopted a resolution on April 2 this year, seeking Katchatheevu’s retrieval.

He added that the state is also urging the Centre to ensure the release of Indian fishermen held in Sri Lankan jails and to bring back their seized boats.

“The BJP-led Union government does not have even a little concern for the Tamils or the Tamil Nadu fishermen and they (BJP) are only doing politics over who ceded Katchatheevu (to Sri Lanka)," Stalin alleged.

“Only a direct intervention by the Prime Minister can bring a lasting solution for Tamil fishermen," he said.

Further, the chief minister said: “The power to enter into an agreement with a foreign country is vested with the Union government. For over 10 years now, the BJP has been in power at the Centre. So far, what are the steps taken by them to retrieve Katchatheevu? Have they at least ensured that Tamil Nadu fishermen are not arrested by Sri Lanka? No, they have not."

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has alleged that Tamil Nadu fishermen trespassed into Katchatheevu and that they will not give up Katchatheevu island.

BJP spokesperson Narayan Tirupathy responded to Stalin’s remarks, stating that it was under the Congress rule at the Centre and DMK’s power in the state when Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974.

“DMK did nothing when they shared power at the Centre for 14 years. We have ensured no firing by the Lankan Navy, unlike in Congress rule, where nearly 1,000 fishermen were killed. We have even saved a fisherman from a death sentence," he said.

(With PTI inputs)

Ashesh Mallick

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes...Read More

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes...

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News politics Stalin Asks PM Modi To Intervene In Katchatheevu, BJP Says 'DMK Did Nothing When At Centre'