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.
IMBL Impact: The IMBL 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.
