Katchatheevu Island

22 Jul 2023 Katchatheevu Island

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Katchatheevu Island”. The topic “Katchatheevu Island” has relevance in the “International Relations” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

Where is Katchatheevu Island?

For Mains:

GS3: India and its neighbourhood relations

Why in the news?

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister called upon the Union government to launch diplomatic initiatives to reexamine the agreement that transferred the Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka.

Katchatheevu Island

Katchatheevu is a tiny, uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, which connects the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. It is a contested territory between Sri Lanka and India, with India claiming it until 1976 and Sri Lanka currently administering it.

Island’s Timeline

What is the Katchatheevu island issue?

• Fishermen from both countries fished in each other’s waters peacefully until India-Sri Lanka signed maritime boundary agreements. These agreements established the international maritime boundary between the two countries.
• The aim of the agreements was to manage resources and enforce laws in the Palk Strait. Indian fishermen were only allowed to use an island for certain purposes, not for fishing. However, they continued crossing the Sri Lankan water boundary to find better catches.
• The situation worsened over the decades when fish and aquatic life in the Indian continental shelf decreased, leading to more Indian fishermen entering the region. They also used harmful modern fishing trolleys, impacting marine life and the ecosystem.

LTTE era and restrictions on movement

• During the LTTE era, the Sri Lankan government restricted Sri Lankan fishermen’s movement in waters due to military concerns.
• In 2009, Sri Lanka increased security along its maritime boundary in the Palk Strait to prevent the return of Tamil insurgents.
• Indian fishermen saw this as an opportunity, but after the war ended in 2010, Sri Lankan fishermen resumed their movement in the Palk Bay and reclaimed their lost territory.

The central government and Tamil Nadu at odds

• In 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signed four Maritime Boundary Agreements with Sri Lankan President Srimavo Bandaranaike, which included giving Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka.
• In response, in 1991, the Tamil Nadu Assembly adopted a resolution demanding the retrieval of Katchatheevu island.
• In 2008, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa took the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking to nullify the Katchatheevu agreements. She argued that the treaties giving Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka were unconstitutional.

Humanitarian and Livelihood Concerns

• The island, located about 10 miles northeast of Rameshwaram, is used by Indian fishermen to dry their nets, catch fish, and rest.
• Frequent arrests on the border have increased, and Sri Lankan authorities have said that they are protecting their maritime boundaries against poaching and securing the livelihood of Sri Lankan fishermen.
• Both sides have pledged not to use force under any circumstances. However, the situation remains tense.

Suggestions to resolve the issue:

• Both India and Sri Lanka should engage in diplomatic dialogue to address maritime boundary concerns and fishing rights.
• They should consider joint management of resources in the Palk Strait, implement sustainable fishing practices, and establish a mechanism to handle border disputes.
• Promoting cooperation and understanding is crucial for a peaceful resolution.

Sources: Stalin writes to Modi: Raise issues of Katchatheevu island, fishermen’s detention with Sri Lanka President | The Indian Express

Q1. With reference to Katchatheevu Island recently seen in news, consider the following statements:

1. Katchatheevu Island is an uninhabited island located in the Arabian Sea.
2. The Sri Lankan government ceded Katchatheevu Island to India through a maritime boundary agreement in 1974.
3. Katchatheevu Island plays a significant role in the cultural and religious history of both India and Sri Lanka.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Q2. Arrange the following locations from North to South:

1. Katchatheevu Island
2. Rameshwaram
3. Jaffna
4. Palk Strait

Select the correct code from the options given below:

(a) 4,3,1,2

(b) 2,4,3,1

(c) 3,4,2,1

(d) 4,3,2,1

Answer: (a)

rishabh