Tamil Nadu Resolution: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union government to retrieve Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka.
Location & Significance: Katchatheevu is a small, uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, strategically important as a maritime boundary marker and a fisheries-rich zone crucial for Tamil Nadu’s fishing economy. St. Anthony’s Church is a religious site for both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen.
Historical Ownership: The island’s ownership was contested historically, with claims from both
British India and Sri Lanka until the 1974 agreement.
1974 Agreement: The Indo-Sri Lankan maritime boundary agreement of 1974, based on UNCLOS principles, delineated the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), placing Katchatheevu under Sri Lankan sovereignty.
determines Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and territorial waters. The 1974 agreement adjusted the equidistant line, leading to Katchatheevu falling under Sri Lanka’s control.
Fishermen’s Concerns: Indian fishermen are often arrested for crossing into Sri Lankan waters near Katchatheevu while fishing.
Visit Restrictions: Indian pilgrims can visit Katchatheevu annually for the St. Anthony’s Church festival but cannot fish or reside there.
Other Maritime Disputes: India has other maritime disputes, such as the Sir Creek Dispute with Pakistan and the former New Moore Island dispute with Bangladesh.
