Q. Katchatheevu Island, recently seen in news is situated between which countries?
[1] India and Bangladesh
[2] India and Myanmar
[3] India and Sri Lanka
[4] India and Maldieves
Answer: C
Documents obtained through an RTI application by Tamil Nadu’s BJP chief K. Annamalai reveal India’s inconsistent approach to the Katchatheevu island dispute with Sri Lanka. Katchatheevu, a small island in the Palk Strait, lacks a permanent settlement and freshwater source.
Administered by both India and Sri Lanka historically, a 1974 agreement marked its boundary. Indian fishermen, particularly from Tamil Nadu, face challenges due to conflicting claims over the island.
History of Katchatheevu Island
The island was controlled by the British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) since 1921; the island remained disputed until 1974 between India and Sri Lanka when India recognised Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over the island.
- Katchatheevu was historically under the control of the Kings of Ramanathapuram in modern Tamil Nadu.
- During the British colonial era, the island was administered 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, and the issue was discussed several times before 1974.
Why Transfer to Sri Lanka?
In 1974, amid international pressure following India’s nuclear tests and the need to garner support from neighbours, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signed an agreement with Sri Lanka, ceding Katchatheevu to the island nation without any discussion with the Indian people or parliament.
This move was seen as an effort to secure Sri Lanka’s support, as the country was set to host the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in 1976 and was likely to have a representative as the president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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Current Affairs Monthly MCQs 2024