Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M. Karunanidhi on Monday said India should convey to Sri Lanka that it would take back Katchatheevu if the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution was not implemented as agreed upon under the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987.
In a statement, former Chief Minister referred to the comments of the visiting Sri Lankan Minister for External Affairs G.L. Peiris.
Katchatheevu, the DMK leader said, was handed over in 1974 following the agreement signed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her Sri Lankan counterpart Sirimavo Bandaranaike. The 13th amendment is an outcome of the Indo-Lanka accord of 1987.
Underscoring the significance of India sending out the right message, he said Congress leaders should arrive at a decision after careful consideration. On Mr. Peiris’ observation that transfer of Katchatheevu was a settled matter, Mr. Karunanidhi said Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation (TESO), which he heads, had already filed a case in the Supreme Court stating that agreement relating to the handing over of Katchatheevu was not valid. He hoped that the apex court would give a fitting reply to Mr.Peiris.
