China is using the ‘Coco’ island that Nehru gifted Myanmar, claims BJP’s Bishnu Pada Ray

Andaman-Nicobar – Amid an ongoing row over Katchatheevu that India handed over to Sri Lanka, BJP’s Bishnu Pada Ray has claimed that the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had gifted the Coco Islands, which were part of the Northern Andaman Islands, to Myanmar. Bishnu Pada Ray is BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. “The Congress has always harboured anti-India sentiments. Nehru gifted the Coco Islands, which were part of the Northern Andaman Islands, to Myanmar, which is currently under China’s direct control,” Ray said. He said, “The Congress did not worry about the islands in the 70 years they were in power. Today, the Union Government is constructing a shipyard and two defence airports to counter China in Campbell Bay, which is also known as Indira Point.”

What is the history ?

Various claims are made about this island. Some of the claims are as follows.

1. Andaman-Nicobar Islands were under British rule. Andaman-Nicobar also became a part of independent India after the independence of the country. Coco Island was handed over to Myanmar (then Burma) by the British. Burma was also part of the British Empire then.

2. In the 19th century, the British government chose the Andaman Islands to punish Indian revolutionaries. Food was brought from Coco Island for the prisoners and other staff living here. The British leased the island to an influential Burmese family to avoid the trouble of growing grain and vegetables. In the year 1882, it was officially accepted as a part of Burma, i.e. Myanmar.

3. Before the country became independent, the British Government deliberately separated Coco Island from India, so that it would not be strategically empowered.

Where is Coco Island ?

Coco Island is approximately 55 kilometres from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Geographically, they are a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago, most of which belongs to India. They are separated from Landfall Island, the northernmost island in the Indian part of the archipelago, by the 20 kilometres wide Coco Channel. There is a reason behind the name of this island spread over 20 square kilometres. Although coconuts abound in all regions bordering the sea, they are abundant here; hence it was called ‘Coco Island’. The Coco Islands consist of three main islands, namely Great Coco Island and the smaller Little Coco Island, separated by the Alexandra Channel, and Table Island, a third small island located near Great Coco Island.

After the island became part of Myanmar, it was colonised by its commander, General Ne Win. Here prisoners and rebels were kept, but this changed in the 70s. China leased it from Myanmar and started using it for its military.

Why did Myanmar give an exemption to China ?

According to a report by ‘The Guardian’, China gave huge loans to Myanmar. It is increasing continuously. In such a situation, the Myanmar Government is almost forced to allow China to enter Myanmar. Several other Chinese projects are also underway in Myanmar, such as the Kyaukphyu port. From here, the Chinese Navy can track the movements of Indian nuclear submarines. Although Myanmar has denied that it has leased Coco Island to China, it is evident.