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Sri Lanka’s anti-India stance : Accuses Indian fishermen of looting !

Also made it clear that it will not relinquish control over Katchatheevu Island

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Wijitha Herath

Colombo (Sri Lanka) – “We have diplomatic options open to resolve the issue of Katchatheevu Island; however, under international law, Katchatheevu Island is a part of Sri Lanka and we will never give it up,” stated Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Wijitha Herath.

Herath also accused Indian fishermen of illegally intruding into Sri Lankan waters near the island and engaging in fishing activities. He further alleged that “Indian fishermen not only plunder resources here, but also harm marine vegetation.” He was speaking in the context of Sri Lanka’s arrests of Indian fishermen.

What is the history ?

Katchatheevu Island is located about 19 km from Rameswaram, India. The sea between Tamil Nadu (India) and Sri Lanka is called the Palk Strait. There are several islands in this region, one of which is Katchatheevu. The island covers an area of 285 acres. It connects the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

In 1974, during the government of Indira Gandhi, this island was gifted to Sri Lanka.

In the 1980s, India was working on a policy aimed at increasing its influence in South Asia and maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring countries. Resolving the border dispute with Sri Lanka was part of that strategy. Under this plan, the island was handed over to Sri Lanka.

At the time, this decision faced opposition from the Tamil Nadu government.

Editorial Perspective

Sri Lanka has shown that India’s approach of Gandhigiri (non-violence and goodwill) is repaid with ingratitude everywhere. Will India finally learn its lesson now ?

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