Katchatheevu is an uninhabited island located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. The island has been a subject of dispute and controversy between the two countries for many decades. It is currently under the control of Sri Lanka.
Historical Background:
- Katchatheevu has a long and complex history, having been under the control of various entities over the centuries.
- During the British colonial era, the island was ruled by both India and Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon).
- After India's independence in 1947, Sri Lanka claimed the island due to its strategic location.
Transfer to Sri Lanka:
- In 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signed an agreement with Sri Lanka, handing over Katchatheevu to the island nation without any discussion with the Indian people or parliament.
- The move was seen as an attempt to gain Sri Lanka's support for India's nuclear tests and garner support from neighbours.
Controversies and Issues:
- The transfer of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka has created many problems for Indian fishermen.
- The 1974 agreement secured Indian fishermen the right to dry their nets and use the island's church for religious rituals.
- However, the delimitation of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in 1976 superseded the 1974 agreement, effectively revoking the rights of Indian fishermen to engage in these activities on the island.
- The abolition of Katchatheevu in India is considered illegal as it was not approved by the Indian Parliament.
- The Supreme Court of India ruled in the Berubari Union case (1960) that the ceding of Indian territory to another country must be approved by the Parliament through a Constitutional Amendment Act.
- Therefore, the transfer of Katchatheevu is considered unconstitutional and illegal by some people in India.
Sri Lanka's Stance:
- Sri Lanka has been claiming Katchatheevu for years and has been denying Indian fishermen rights to the island.
- The Sri Lankan government says the Indian court cannot void the 1974 agreement and claims it gave India an island called "Vegabank" in return.
Recent Developments:
- In March 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress Party for alleged negligence in handing over Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.
- His comments came in response to an RTI query by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, which revealed that the Indira Gandhi-led government had handed over the island to Sri Lanka in 1974.
- PM Modi accused Congress of weakening the unity of India through this action.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding Katchatheevu is a matter of real concern for Indian Tamils. To avoid further problems in the future, a discussion-based solution should be adopted that clarifies the issues and seeks consensus. Diplomatic efforts and dialogue are necessary to resolve the long-standing dispute between India and Sri Lanka and ensure the rights and welfare of the affected communities on both sides.