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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 03rd April 2025

Home / UPSC / Current Affairs / T.N. Assembly unanimously adopts resolution on Katchatheevu retrieval from Sri Lanka

T.N. Assembly unanimously adopts resolution on Katchatheevu retrieval from Sri Lanka

T.N. Assembly unanimously adopts resolution on Katchatheevu retrieval from Sri Lanka

Why in News?

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Union government to retrieve Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka.

T.N. Assembly unanimously adopts resolution on Katchatheevu retrieval from Sri Lanka

Introduction

  • Recently, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Union government to take steps to retrieve Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka.
  • The resolution, moved by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, emphasized that reclaiming Katchatheevu is the only permanent solution to protect the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen and mitigate their hardships due to the Sri Lankan Navy’s actions.

Background

  • Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited island in the Palk Bay, was ceded to Sri Lanka under the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1974.
  • Tamil Nadu fishermen have traditionally used this region for fishing, but Sri Lanka considers Indian fishing activities near the island as a violation of its maritime boundaries.

Key Highlights of the Resolution

  • Demand for Reviewing the 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan Agreement: The resolution calls upon the Union government to review and renegotiate the agreement to reclaim Katchatheevu.
  • Protection of Tamil Nadu Fishermen’s Rights: Tamil Nadu fishermen have faced frequent arrests and boat seizures by the Sri Lankan Navy. In 2024 alone, 530 Indian fishermen were arrested. The resolution stresses the need to ensure their safety and livelihood.
  • Request for the Release of Imprisoned Fishermen: The resolution urged the Prime Minister to negotiate with Sri Lanka for the release of detained fishermen and their seized boats as a goodwill gesture.
  • Historical Opposition to the Agreement: The resolution highlighted that former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers, including M. Karunanidhi, J. Jayalalithaa, and O. Panneerselvam, had previously opposed the ceding of Katchatheevu and passed multiple resolutions demanding its retrieval.

Katchatheevu Island: India-Sri Lanka Conflict

  • Katchatheevu is a small, uninhabited island located in the Palk Bay between India and Sri Lanka.
  • The island has been a long-standing point of contention between the two nations, primarily due to historical claims, fishing rights, and strategic significance.

Geographical Significance

  • Location: Situated in the Palk Strait, between Tamil Nadu (India) and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
  • Size: Around 1.6 km², with limited vegetation and no permanent human habitation.
  • Fishing Zone: Rich in marine resources, making it crucial for Tamil Nadu fishermen.

Historical Background

  • Pre-1974: Katchatheevu was historically used by Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen for fishing and drying nets.
  • Indo-Sri Lankan Agreement (1974):
    • India ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka under an agreement signed by Indira Gandhi and Sirimavo Bandaranaike.
    • The agreement permitted Indian fishermen traditional fishing rights around the island.
  • 1976 Maritime Boundary Agreement:
    • India and Sri Lanka delimited their maritime boundaries, further restricting Indian fishermen from accessing the region.

Key Issues in the Conflict

  • Fishermen’s Rights
    • Tamil Nadu fishermen continue to enter waters around Katchatheevu, leading to frequent arrests and clashes with the Sri Lankan Navy.
    • Sri Lanka maintains that Indian fishermen violate maritime boundaries, while India argues for traditional rights.
  • Legal and Political Controversy
    • Tamil Nadu’s Stand: Successive state governments, including DMK and AIADMK, have demanded the retrieval of Katchatheevu.
    • Indian Government’s Stand: The Centre has maintained that the agreement is legally binding, but discussions on fishermen’s rights continue.
    • Supreme Court Case: Various petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court of India, challenging the 1974 agreement.
  • Diplomatic and Strategic Concerns
    • China’s Influence: Growing Chinese investments in Sri Lanka raise security concerns for India.
    • Maritime Security: Katchatheevu is strategically located near vital sea routes, making it significant for India’s maritime defense.

Conclusion

  • The unanimous passage of the resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly reflects a unified demand for reclaiming Katchatheevu.
  • The issue remains a major point of contention in India-Sri Lanka relations, with significant diplomatic, legal, and livelihood implications for Tamil Nadu fishermen.
  • The final course of action will depend on India’s foreign policy decisions and negotiations with Sri Lanka.

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