Important facts you need to know about Katchatheevu Island controversy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for the Katchatheevu island controversy, spurred by an RTI report uncovering the decision to transfer the island to Sri Lanka in 1974 under Indira Gandhi's government. Modi deemed the revelation "eye-opening and startling," accusing the Congress of compromising national integrity and interests. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions and political debates surrounding territorial decisions made decades ago. Let's find out what this controversy is all about. (Image:Wikipedia)

The Katchatheevu Island controversy revolves around the territorial dispute between India and Sri Lanka over the ownership and control of the island. (Image:Wikipedia)

India ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka through a bilateral agreement signed in 1974 during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. (Image:Wikipedia)

The transfer of Katchatheevu sparked protests and opposition, particularly from Tamil Nadu fishermen and political parties who claimed that the agreement undermined their traditional fishing rights. (Image:Wikipedia)

Indian fishermen, especially from Tamil Nadu, have faced challenges accessing traditional fishing grounds around Katchatheevu due to Sri Lankan control, leading to frequent arrests and confiscation of boats. (Image:Wikipedia)

Despite protests and legal challenges in India, including petitions to reclaim Katchatheevu, the Indian Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the 1974 agreement, affirming Sri Lanka's sovereignty over the island. (Image:Wikipedia)

The Katchatheevu issue has been a recurring topic in bilateral discussions between India and Sri Lanka, with efforts made to address the concerns of fishermen through diplomatic channels. (Image:Wikipedia)

The controversy has humanitarian dimensions, with Indian fishermen facing harsh treatment, including arrests and harassment, by the Sri Lankan authorities when they inadvertently enter Sri Lankan waters. (Image:Wikipedia)

Political parties in India, particularly the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have often criticized the Congress party for the decision to transfer Katchatheevu, accusing them of compromising national interests. (Image:Wikipedia)

The Katchatheevu Island controversy remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader debates about territorial sovereignty, bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, and the rights of fishermen in the region. (Image:Wikipedia)