Situation worsened after 2014 as Colombo started to auction seized boats, say fishermen. Risk is taken as catch in Indian waters is just not enough, they explain.
In original video, he is heard criticising both Congress & Modi over the Katchatheevu issue. However, the 2 sides have used only certain parts of the speech to attack each other.
In 1974, India relinquished any claim it had over the Palk Strait island, thereby handing it to Sri Lanka. Fishing around its waters have led to fishermen deaths, arrests.
Most news outlets pointed out that in a 2015 RTI response, the BJP government replied that the 1974 and 1976 agreements with Sri Lanka did not involve “ceding’’ any Indian territory.
India’s strategic interests don’t lie in securing control of a tiny island. Instead, the real challenge India faces is containing China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka.
This occurred two years after New Delhi recognised Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory in 1974 deal. Wadge Bank was first commercially exploited by Sri Lankan fishing trawlers in the early 1920s.
Sri Lanka Guardian says it is imperative Indian PM refrains from 'manipulative politicking' in matters that may have big repercussions on India’s ties with its neighbours.
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