In a recent letter dated 2 April 2024, VK Sasikala, the General Secretary of the AIADMK, expressed strong support for the Kachchathivu issue. Highlighting the significance of the matter, Sasikala emphasized the need to safeguard the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils and ensure the retrieval of Kachchathivu, which she asserts belongs to Indian soil.
Sasikala pointedly criticized the DMK and Congress parties, holding them accountable for neglecting the interests of Tamil Nadu fishermen and failing to address the ongoing confrontations with the Sri Lankan Navy. She asserted that the revolutionary leader, the late Jayalalithaa, ardently advocated for the recovery of Kachchathivu, filing a case in the Supreme Court and spearheading resolutions in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
In her missive, Sasikala recounted historical events surrounding Kachchathivu, tracing its ownership back to the Sethupathi kings of Ramanathapuram and condemning its cession to Sri Lanka in 1974 by the Indian government. She reiterated the necessity of restoring Kachchathivu to Indian territory to ensure the livelihood and security of Tamil Nadu fishermen.
Furthermore, Sasikala disclosed efforts made towards resolving the issue, including obtaining permission for Tamil devotees to participate in the festival of St. Anthony’s Church on Kachchathivu Island in 2016. She lamented the unfulfilled implementation of a comprehensive action plan devised during Jayalalithaa’s tenure, citing her demise as a setback.
Asserting the need for a robust central government and a determined Prime Minister, Sasikala assured that under their leadership, efforts to retrieve Kachchathivu and protect the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils would be prioritized.
— V K Sasikala (@AmmavinVazhi) April 2, 2024
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