Katchatheevu Dispute: Renewed Controversy and Historical Context

Rekindling the Katchatheevu Dispute: A Recap of Historical Tensions

The longstanding Katchatheevu controversy has recently resurfaced in the news due to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's renewed call for the retrieval of the uninhabited islet from Sri Lanka. Situated about 14 nautical miles off Rameswaram, Katchatheevu holds significance as a historic fishing ground for fisherfolk from both India and Sri Lanka.

Historical Background:

The roots of the Katchatheevu dispute trace back to June 1974 when Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi of India and Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka signed an agreement. This pact aimed to demarcate the boundary between the two nations in the waters from Palk Strait to Adam’s Bridge. The agreement's joint statement noted that the defined boundary lay one mile off the western coast of uninhabited Katchatheevu. This settlement brought an end to discussions that had persisted since 1921.

Fisherfolk's Importance:

The fisherfolk of both countries traditionally used Katchatheevu for fishing, a practice acknowledged in the 1974 agreement. Nevertheless, a subsequent pact in March 1976 clarified that fishing vessels and fishermen required explicit permission from Sri Lanka or India to engage in fishing activities within the historic waters, territorial sea, or exclusive economic zone. Additionally, the annual festival held at Anthony's Church on the islet continued to draw devotees from both sides of Palk Bay, maintaining a long-standing tradition.

Origins of Negotiations:

The negotiations between India and Sri Lanka were triggered by Sri Lanka's claim of sovereignty over Katchatheevu, citing the Portuguese occupation of the island during 1505-1658 CE. India countered this claim by asserting that the former Raja of Ramnad had possession of the islet as part of his territory.

1974 Agreement Fallout:

The current demand for the retrieval of Katchatheevu can be traced back to the opposition generated by the 1974 pact. At that time, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, leader of the Jan Sangh, criticized the decision to transfer the islet, asserting that it had been made without the knowledge of the people and Parliament. The Katchatheevu issue remained relatively dormant for around 15 years until August 1991, when Chief Minister Jayalalithaa reignited the demand for retrieval. She later modified her stance to advocate for the return of the islet through a perpetual lease.

Union Government's Position:

The Indian Union government's position has consistently denied the need for the retrieval of Katchatheevu, emphasizing that no Indian territory was ceded to Sri Lanka. This stance was communicated to the Supreme Court in August 2013. The government argued that the matter of Katchatheevu had been resolved through the 1974 and 1976 agreements, and that there was no mutually agreed boundary between British India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In its December 2022 response in the Rajya Sabha, the Union government reiterated that Katchatheevu lies within Sri Lanka's side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line, and it acknowledged that the issue was under Supreme Court consideration.

Thank You