- The maritime boundary issue between India and Sri Lanka, and consequently sovereignty over the Katchatheevu island,is settle reiterated by The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- According to an affidavit filed in response to petitions,under 1974 and 1976 agreements between the two countries, fishermen were allowed to fish on their side of the IMBL.
- The agreement spoke only of the “traditional rights of vessels, not fishermen” and no fishing rights in Sri Lankan waters were bestowed on Tamil Nadu fishermen
- Fisherman Care of Pallavaram filed the petitions in 2012,to clarify the then External Affairs Minister’s statement in Parliament on Tamil Nadu fishermen crossing the IMBL.
- Sri Lanka alleged that Indian fishing vessels entered its waters where as, under the agreements, Indian fishermen were not allowed to exploit resources by crossing over the waters of the other country.
- The authorities should take diplomatic steps to secure the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen languishing in Sri Lankan jails and find a permanent solution to the problem of frequent attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
- The MEA stated that fishing rights of Indian fishermen around the island was untenable and the matter is posted for further hearing by the First Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice, Satish K. Agnihotri, and Justice M.M. Sundresh.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/
todays-paper/tp-national/ katchatheevu-a-settled-issue- centre-tells-the-high-court/ article6168131.ece
Exams Perspective:
- Katchatheevu
- India Srilanka Bilateral Relations
- India Srilanka Fishermen Dispute