"Katchatheevu: A Contested Legacy"
GS PAPER 2
(INTERNATIONAL RELATION)
Prime Minister Raises Katchatheevu Issue Before Lok Sabha Polls:
- Narendra Modi brings up Katchatheevu controversy ahead of Tamil Nadu's Lok Sabha elections.
- Accuses Congress of negligently giving away Katchatheevu.
Political Parties Utilize Katchatheevu Issue for Attacks:
- State BJP and AIADMK intensify criticisms against DMK and Congress following Modi's statements.
- Katchatheevu becomes a focal point for political attacks between rival parties.
Fishermen Protest Sri Lankan Arrests Amid Katchatheevu Dispute:
- Fishermen associations in Ramanathapuram district boycott annual festival in protest against Sri Lankan arrests of Indian fishermen.
- Highlight of the issue arises due to ongoing conflicts regarding poaching charges.
Transfer of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka (1974):
- In 1974, Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike of India and Sri Lanka respectively signed an agreement to demarcate the boundary between the two countries.
- A joint statement issued in June 1974 delineated a boundary, placing Katchatheevu one mile off the west coast of Sri Lanka, thereby transferring its sovereignty to Sri Lanka.
- This agreement concluded negotiations that had been ongoing since October 1921 between the governments of Madras (now Tamil Nadu) and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
Significance for Fisherfolk:
- Fisherfolk from both India and Sri Lanka traditionally used Katchatheevu for fishing.
- While the 1974 agreement acknowledged this use, a supplemental pact in March 1976 imposed restrictions on fishing activities without express permission from either country.
- Despite restrictions, fishing communities continue to utilize Katchatheevu for their livelihood.
Cultural Significance:
- St. Anthony's Church on Katchatheevu hosts an annual festival that draws devotees from both sides of the Palk Bay.
- This tradition has persisted over time, symbolizing the cultural significance of Katchatheevu for both Indian and Sri Lankan communities.
Trigger for India-Sri Lanka Negotiations:
- Sri Lanka asserted sovereignty over Katchatheevu based on historical Portuguese occupation from 1505-1658 CE.
- India countered, claiming possession through the erstwhile Raja of Ramnad (Ramanathapuram), part of his zamin (estate).
- The debate intensified in 1968 when an article quoting the erstwhile Raja asserted historical jurisdiction over Katchatheevu.
- External Affairs Minister Swaran Singh defended the decision, stating it followed exhaustive research of historical records.
Reception of the 1974 Agreement:
- The 1974 agreement faced significant opposition in both Houses of Parliament, leading to walkouts by major opposition parties.
- Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee criticized the agreement, claiming it was made without proper consultation with the people and Parliament.
- Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had consistently advocated for retaining Katchatheevu, emphasizing its importance to India beyond Tamil Nadu.
- M.G. Ramachandran of the AIADMK criticized Karunanidhi for his handling of the issue, demanding his resignation.
Union Government's Stand on the Issue:
- In August 2013, the Union government informed the Supreme Court that there was no question of retrieving Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka as no Indian territory had been ceded.
- It argued that Katchatheevu was a subject of dispute between British India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and the matter was settled through agreements in 1974 and 1976.
- By December 2022, the Union government reiterated its stance in the Rajya Sabha, stating that Katchatheevu lies within the Sri Lankan side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line.
- The matter remains sub judice in the Supreme Court, indicating ongoing legal deliberations.