Katchatheevu Island is a small island between Rameshwaram and mainland Sri Lanka. It is an area between the northern coast of Sri Lanka and the southeastern coast of India.
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St Antony's Church in Katchatheevu
Every year prayers are held for a week in this church in February-March. These prayers were interrupted during the Sri Lankan civil war in 1983.
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Agreement of former PM Indira Gandhi
Between 1974 and 1976, Indira Gandhi signed 4 maritime boundary agreements with Sri Lanka, under which Katchatheevu's control was ceded to Sri Lanka.
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Supreme Court intervention
In the year 1991, a demand was raised in the Tamil Nadu Assembly to include the island back in India. Jayalalithaa moved the SC in 2008 against the Centre's decision.
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Jayalalithaa's demand
The then CM of Tamil Nadu demanded the Supreme Court declare the agreement between both countries unconstitutional.
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Fishing disputes
Fishermen from Tamil Nadu often clash with the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing in the vicinity of Katchatheevu.
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Maritime Boundary
Its strategic location has implications for fishing rights, maritime security, and geopolitical interests in the region.
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PM Modi reacted on Indira Gandhi's decision
Taking to X, PM Modi said, "Weakening India’s unity, integrity and interests has been Congress’ way of working for 75 years and counting."