Lok Sabha Elections Even before this, Katchatheevu Island, located on the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, has become a big issue. Actually Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Sunday, he had targeted the Congress Party for handing over Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka. After which Katchatheevu Island is being mentioned everywhere including social media. But do you know what are the places to visit in Katchatheevu Island? How to reach here?
History of Katchatheevu Island
First let us know what is the history of Katchatheevu Island. According to the answers received from RTI, the then Indira Gandhi government had handed over this island to Sri Lanka in 1974. Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai had filed an RTI application regarding the island. Let us tell you that Katchatheevu Island is at the southern end of India in the Indian Ocean. Spread over 285 acres, this island is situated between Rameshwaram of India and Sri Lanka.
According to the information, in the 17th century this island was under King Ramananda of Madurai. During the British rule, Katchatheevu island came to Madras Presidency. At that time this island was considered an important place for fish farming. This was the reason why both India and Sri Lanka had their own claims on this island for fishing. After independence, there were 4 agreements between 1974-76 regarding maritime boundaries. Under the agreement, Indian fishermen were allowed to rest and dry their nets on this island and the island was handed over to Sri Lanka.
Why was the island handed over to Sri Lanka?
According to the information, in the year 1974, an agreement was signed between the then Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi and the President of Sri Lanka Srimavo Bandaranaike. Under the agreement, Indira Gandhi handed over Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka. Talks regarding this agreement were held between the two countries on 26 June in Colombo and on 28 June in Delhi. It was only after the meeting that the island was handed over to Sri Lanka with certain conditions. The condition in this was that Indian fishermen would continue to use it for drying their nets and for resting. It was also said in the condition that Indians would not be allowed to visit the church built on this island without a visa. Indian fishermen cannot even catch fish here.
These are the places to visit
Katchatheevu Island is a small island between India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as a disputed area. The most famous place to visit here is St. Antony’s Church. Where local people go a lot. Apart from this, there are many sea beaches here, which we also call beaches. According to the information, fish of different species are found in abundance on Katchatheevu Island.
How to reach?
The nearest railway station to reach Katchatheevu is Madurai station in Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station is Rameshwaram Railway Station. From here you can go to Katchatheevu Island via sea route. However, all Indians require a passport to visit Katchatheevu Island.
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