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Katchatheevu island - 10 things to know with detail

• Location: Katchatheevu island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. It is situated approximately 12 nautical miles from the town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India.
• History: Katchatheevu has been a contentious issue between India and Sri Lanka for several decades. The island was formally ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 by India under an agreement between the two countries.
• Use: The island was traditionally used by Indian fishermen for drying their nets and seeking shelter during storms. However, after the transfer of the island to Sri Lanka, Indian fishermen were restricted from accessing the island.
• Fishing disputes: The transfer of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka has led to numerous disputes between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen over fishing rights in the surrounding waters. Indian fishermen claim that they have traditional fishing rights in the area and continue to fish in the region, often leading to arrests by the Sri Lankan authorities.
• Pilgrimage: Despite the restrictions on fishing, Indian fishermen are allowed to visit Katchatheevu once a year for the St. Anthony's festival, a popular Catholic pilgrimage. The festival attracts thousands of Indian and Sri Lankan devotees who come to worship at the church on the island.
• Security concerns: The proximity of Katchatheevu to the Indian coast has raised security concerns, especially in light of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. There have been calls from some quarters in India to reclaim the island to strengthen security in the region.
• Legal battles: The transfer of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka has been challenged in the Indian courts by various political parties and fishermen associations. However, the Indian Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the agreement between India and Sri Lanka.
• Environmental impact: The overfishing in the waters around Katchatheevu has raised concerns about the environmental impact on marine life in the region. Conservationists have called for sustainable fishing practices to protect the fragile ecosystem.
• Diplomatic relations: The issue of Katchatheevu has strained relations between India and Sri Lanka at times, with both countries accusing each other of violating the terms of the agreement. However, efforts have been made to resolve the disputes through diplomatic channels.
• Future prospects: The future of Katchatheevu remains uncertain, with ongoing tensions between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen. The issue continues to be a sensitive subject in both countries, and a resolution will require careful negotiation and cooperation between the two governments.