Sri Lankan Member of Parliament Rauff Hakeem has asserted that the sovereignty of Katchatheevu Island is settled under international law, and it is not prudent to raise the issue at this juncture. Speaking during a goodwill visit to Tamil Nadu, Hakeem emphasized that prioritizing the Katchatheevu matter as an immediate fix whenever a conflict arises is not a wise strategy.
Background of the Katchatheevu Dispute
Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, has been a point of contention between India and Sri Lanka. The island was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 under an agreement between the two countries. However, the issue has periodically resurfaced, particularly in Tamil Nadu politics, with some parties demanding its retrieval.
Hakeem's Remarks
Hakeem, who is on a goodwill mission to foster ties, noted that the matter has been resolved through bilateral agreements and international law. He advised against leveraging the issue for short-term political gains, stating that it could strain relations between the neighboring nations. The MP urged both sides to focus on mutual cooperation and development rather than reopening settled disputes.
His comments come amid renewed discussions on the island's status, triggered by recent political statements in Tamil Nadu. Hakeem's visit aims to strengthen cultural and economic links between Sri Lanka and the Indian state.
