Date:30/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/30/stories/2008073061041200.htm

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Reopen Katchateevu pact: CPI

Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Tuesday demanded the reopening of the Katchateevu island agreement with Sri Lanka under which India had given up all rights over the island. The demand comes days after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi called on the Centre to take over the island from Sri Lanka.

The CPI plans to hold a dharna in front of the Sri Lankan Consulate in Chennai on Wednesday to protest against the denial of traditional rights of fishermen on the island and several instances of their being harassed or killed by the Sri Lankan Navy, CPI national secretary D. Raja told newspersons here.

Demanding that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh raise the issue of ill-treatment of fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, at the summit of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation, Mr. Raja pointed out that since 1983 over 300 Indian fishermen had been shot dead.

“I am aware that SAARC does not take up bilateral issues. But India must make it a point to tell the Sri Lankan government not to allow its navy to fire on our fishermen. It should also renegotiate or reopen the agreement to restore the traditional rights of fishermen such as attending local festivals, resting and fishing around Katchateevu island. India must also ask Sri Lanka to stop laying mines in the Palk Straits,” observed the CPI leader.

“ The CPI also demands that New Delhi immediately stop supplying arms to the Sri Lankan government,” he added.