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Questions and Answers
What was the main criticism raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Katchatheevu?
What was the main criticism raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Katchatheevu?
Which agreement led to the cession of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka?
Which agreement led to the cession of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka?
Why is Katchatheevu considered unfit for permanent habitation?
Why is Katchatheevu considered unfit for permanent habitation?
What was one of the outcomes of the 1976 supplemental pact concerning fishing rights?
What was one of the outcomes of the 1976 supplemental pact concerning fishing rights?
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What led to the boycott by fishermen in Ramanathapuram district in February 2024?
What led to the boycott by fishermen in Ramanathapuram district in February 2024?
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What is a historical significance of Katchatheevu that affects both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen?
What is a historical significance of Katchatheevu that affects both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen?
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What was the geographical context of Katchatheevu's location?
What was the geographical context of Katchatheevu's location?
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What claim did Tamil Nadu CM M. Karunanidhi make regarding the ceding of Katchatheevu?
What claim did Tamil Nadu CM M. Karunanidhi make regarding the ceding of Katchatheevu?
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Which of the following statements accurately describe the significance of Katchatheevu Island?
Which of the following statements accurately describe the significance of Katchatheevu Island?
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What was a key historical aspect of the discussions on boundary delimitation regarding Katchatheevu?
What was a key historical aspect of the discussions on boundary delimitation regarding Katchatheevu?
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Why are Indian fishermen frequently arrested by Sri Lankan authorities?
Why are Indian fishermen frequently arrested by Sri Lankan authorities?
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What action did Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa take regarding Katchatheevu in 1991?
What action did Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa take regarding Katchatheevu in 1991?
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What significant event occurred on June 28, 1974, concerning Katchatheevu?
What significant event occurred on June 28, 1974, concerning Katchatheevu?
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What is the geographical proximity of Katchatheevu to Rameswaram?
What is the geographical proximity of Katchatheevu to Rameswaram?
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What prompted the fishermen in Ramanathapuram district to boycott the annual St. Anthony's Church festival in February 2024?
What prompted the fishermen in Ramanathapuram district to boycott the annual St. Anthony's Church festival in February 2024?
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What is a recognized reason for fishing being traditionally important around Katchatheevu?
What is a recognized reason for fishing being traditionally important around Katchatheevu?
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Study Notes
Katchatheevu Island Controversy
- Katchatheevu is a small islet located in the Palk Strait, a key maritime route between India and Sri Lanka.
- The island is approximately 33 km from Rameswaram (India) and 24 km from Sri Lanka's Delft Island.
- Katchatheevu was formally ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 during an agreement signed by Indira Gandhi and Sirimavo Bandaranaike.
- The island holds religious significance for both countries, with a church dedicated to St. Anthony present on the island.
- Katchatheevu is considered unfit for permanent habitation due to its lack of fresh water.
- The island holds significant strategic importance for monitoring maritime activities in the region, including fishing and security threats.
- The island is traditionally important for fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka, leading to frequent disputes.
Historical Ownership and Disputes
- Katchatheevu's historical ownership has been disputed between India and Sri Lanka.
- It was originally under Sri Lanka's Jaffna kingdom in the medieval period but was subsequently administered by the Raja of Ramnad in India.
- During British rule, it was administered by the Madras Presidency.
- In 1976, a supplemental pact was signed that clarified fishing rights, restricting fishermen from each country from fishing in the other's waters without express permission.
- The restriction on fishing rights has led to numerous arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities, leading to conflict.
- Several Indian political leaders, including M.K. Stalin and Jayalalithaa, have called for the retrieval of Katchatheevu and the restoration of fishing rights.
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution in 1991 demanding the retrieval of Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka.
Katchatheevu Island Controversy
- Katchatheevu is a small islet located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka.
- The island has been a source of controversy, with both countries claiming ownership, each citing historical, religious, and strategic reasons.
- India considers Katchatheevu a historically significant site, having been under the control of the Indian Raja of Ramnad during a period when Sri Lanka was under Portuguese control.
- The island is traditionally a key fishing ground for fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka.
- The island is also a sacred site for Indian and Sri Lankan Catholics, hosting an annual Church festival.
- Disputes over fishing rights and ownership of the island have caused friction between India and Sri Lanka.
- In 1974, India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement officially ceding Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.
Discussions on Boundary Delimitation
- The 1974 agreement gave control of the island to Sri Lanka while allowing Indian fishermen to operate there.
- A 1976 pact clarified that fishermen from both countries are not allowed to fish in each other’s waters without express permission.
- This agreement has led to frequent arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities due to overlapping territories.
- Despite ceding the island in the 1970s, there have been consistent calls from Indian politicians and Tamil Nadu state governments to retrieve the island.
- The controversy continues as politicians from various Indian political parties attempt to use it for political advantage.
- In 2024, fishermen in Ramanathapuram district boycotted the annual Church festival at the island to protest the arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the Katchatheevu Island controversy, a key territorial dispute between India and Sri Lanka. This quiz will cover historical ownership, significant agreements, and the cultural importance of the island. Explore the strategic implications of Katchatheevu in the context of maritime activities and local fishing traditions.