Marakkayar and Muthusamy Pillai to collect these.

Marakkayar and Muthusamy Pillai to collect these. (Document: Ramanathapuram Sub-Registrar Office, Document No. 510/70, Date: 2.7.1980). For ages, this island was under the rule of the Ramanathapuram kingdom. Subsequently, through the Zamindari Abolition Act of 1947, it became part of India. Katchatheevu is located in the Palk Strait near India’s southern coast, close to Pamban Island. It spans approximately 4 square miles, with a length of about one mile and a width of 1,000 feet. The island is composed of coral reefs and is abundant with cacti, aloe vera, and acacia trees. In the past, the British Navy used the island for bomb testing and as a recreational spot. In 1955, when the Sri Lankan government decided to use Katchatheevu for training its naval personnel, the Indian Parliament condemned the move. Since then, the issue came to light. Regarding Katchatheevu, Pandit Nehru stated in Parliament: “The Indian government has insufficient information on this matter. We are examining records about Katchatheevu. There is no need for both countries to negotiate over this small island. India’s dignity is not involved in this issue, especially with our neighboring country, Sri Lanka.” Based on the non-aligned policy in international politics, he showed no interest in this matter. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi remained indifferent whenever this issue was raised in Parliament. Vaiko has raised this issue in Parliament, writing to the Prime Minister 20 times over the past 13 years to stop the Sri Lankan Navy’s attacks on fishermen. It is noteworthy that Marumalarchi DMK has continuously emphasized this through several resolutions. On 23.7.1974, P.K. Mukkaiya Thevar, the Ramanathapuram MP and Forward Bloc leader, expressed condemnation and walked out of Parliament. Similarly, Mohammed Sheriff, the Periyakulam MP, also staged a walkout. At that time, Murasoli Maran remained silent in Parliament. Communist leader Kalyanasundaram, Era Sezhiyan, Nanjil Manoharan, former minister S. Madhavan, and Pazhaniyandi spoke about this issue in Parliament. In many ways, it is utterly unjust that Katchatheevu, an integral part of India, was given away, and Sri Lanka claims ownership of it. The following documents provide evidence that Katchatheevu belongs to India. 1. In a letter dated 20.4.1950 from the Administrative Secretary of the Ramanathapuram kingdom to the Estate Manager, it is mentioned that files regarding fishing areas from 1929 to 1945 were sent, including one specifically about Katchatheevu. 2. A map prepared by Mr. R. Ganesan, attached to a letter from Muthu, Assistant Director of Fisheries in Thoothukudi (1943), marks Katchatheevu. 3. From 1913 to 1928, for 15 years, Katchatheevu was one of the locations leased by the British government for conch and oyster fishing. When lease rules were updated in 1936, Katchatheevu remained one of the leased locations. 4. On 19.2.1922, Mr. R. Subbaiah Naidu, the Diwan of Ramanathapuram, provided details about maritime boundaries to R. Rajeswara Sethupathi, including information about Katchatheevu. This document was accepted on 27.2.1922. 5. On 4.2.1985, at the Ramanathapuram Sub-Registrar Office, Katchatheevu was leased and an agreement was registered (Document No. 134/85). 6. From 1.7.1947 to 30.6.1949, Katchatheevu was leased, and the lease agreement was registered on 26.7.1947 at the Ramanathapuram Sub-Registrar Office (Document No. 278/48). The Sri Lankan Minister’s Secretary states that Katchatheevu does not belong to Sri Lanka. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the British government’s boundary notification did not mention Katchatheevu, and the Minister’s Secretary, P.P. Pieris, confirms that the island belonged to the Ramanathapuram Samasthanam. Thus, when it is clear that Katchatheevu belongs to India, the central government’s indifferent attitude is an injustice to Tamil Nadu, particularly to Indian fishermen. Katchatheevu is not only a matter of India’s dignity