The Centre came under attack in the Rajya Sabha on Monday for its affidavit before the Supreme Court that the Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka as part of the agreement in 1974.
The opposition parties supported AIADMK leader V. Maitreyan’s demand during zero hour that the government retrieve the island and enforce the fishermen treaty agreement.
Taking exception to the affidavit, Mr. Maitreyan asserted that the island was part of India and the Centre’s stand had not only shocked but also betrayed the people of Tamil Nadu.
He referred to Chief Minister Jayalalithaaa’s petition before the apex court that the island should be treated as part of India as it had been ceded to Sri Lanka illegally without the approval of Parliament.
Mr. Maitreyan accused the Congress of treating the country like its zamindari and being anti-Tamil Nadu. The people would teach the Congress a lesson.
D. Raja of CPI deplored the affidavit and demanded that the issue be revisited. Kanimozhi (DMK) pointed out that it was under the control of King of Ramanathapuram.
BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu suggested for an all-party meeting to recall the affidavit and said the affidavit was against the sentiments of the people.
The issue of unabated arrest of fishermen also rocked the House with Ms. Kanimozhi pointing out that 194 fishermen had been arrested in a span of a month. She said both Ms. Jayalalithaa and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi had written to the Centre on the issue.
Mani Shankar Aiyar (Congress) said the government had signed an arrangement with Colombo and action had been initiated. Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) demanded its strict enforcement to get relief for the detained fishermen.
