Katchatheevu islet : India or Sri Lanka

The Katchatheevu islet, situated between India and Sri Lanka, has been a subject of controversy and political discourse for decades, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The islet was ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 under an agreement between then Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi of India and Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka. This decision, rooted in historical claims and negotiations, has since stirred political, social, and economic debates, especially concerning the rights and livelihoods of fishermen from both countries. Here’s a detailed examination of the Katchatheevu issue:

Historical Context and Cession

• Cession to Sri Lanka: Katchatheevu was officially transferred to Sri Lanka in 1974 through a bilateral agreement aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over the islet and demarcating the maritime boundary between the two nations.

• Historical Claims: The transfer was based on historical records and claims by both countries. Sri Lanka asserted sovereignty based on colonial-era jurisdiction, while India referenced the Raja of Ramnad's historical possession.

Impact on Fisherfolk

• Traditional Rights: Fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka have traditionally utilized Katchatheevu for fishing, a practice acknowledged yet restricted by subsequent agreements, especially concerning fishing rights and access.

• Annual Festival: The islet hosts St. Anthony’s Church's annual festival, drawing devotees and reinforcing cultural ties across the Palk Bay, despite the political and territorial disputes.

Political and Legal Controversies

• Opposition and Protests: The 1974 agreement faced significant opposition from political parties and leaders in Tamil Nadu, who argued that the cession disregarded local sentiments and historical ties to the islet.

• Legal Challenges: The issue has seen legal actions, including petitions by Tamil Nadu's political leaders in the Supreme Court, seeking to revisit the agreements or secure fishing rights, reflecting ongoing discontent.

Current Developments

• Renewed Focus: Recent statements by political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have brought the issue back into the limelight, indicating its enduring relevance in Tamil Nadu's political and social landscape.

• Union Government's Stand: The Indian government maintains that the agreements with Sri Lanka are final, viewing Katchatheevu as lying within Sri Lankan waters, and emphasizing that the matter is under judicial consideration.

Conclusion

The Katchatheevu issue encapsulates a complex interplay of historical claims, geopolitical considerations, and local livelihoods, highlighting the challenges of reconciling international agreements with regional aspirations and traditions. As political discussions and legal debates continue, the islet remains a symbol of unresolved tensions and a focal point for assertions of cultural identity and economic rights by the fishing communities of Tamil Nadu.

Reason it's important : Is the Katchatheevu islet disputed?

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 03 April 2024

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