Katchatheevu demands thinking outside the box (GS Paper 2, IR)
Context
It would be unwise to attempt to create a Berlin Wall in the Palk Strait. India and Sri Lanka are like Siamese twins. What afflicts one will affect the other.
The issues
There are two interrelated issues that should be kept in mind.
First, the unilateral scrapping of a bilateral agreement will have profound consequences not only on India-Sri Lanka relations but also with several of India’s other neighbouring countries.
Bilateral agreements have a sanctity of their own and cannot be scrapped based on the whims and fancies of every party in power.
At the same time, the Centre should be urged to take immediate steps to ensure the livelihood of fishermen on both sides of the Palk Strait.
Introduction of trawling
In the 1960s and 1970s, India faced a severe financial crisis. Indira Gandhi gave several incentives for ventures that earned foreign exchange.
At that time prawns were a great delicacy in Japan and the European countries.
As a result, bottom trawlers were introduced in the Palk Bay.
Tamil fishermen from Sri Lanka were employed by trawler owners and with their guidance, Indian fishermen began venturing deep into Sri Lankan waters.
India’s foreign exchange earnings went up, but most of it was due to prawns that were caught in Sri Lankan waters.
The use of bottom trawlers did incalculable harm to the sea bed. The trawlers swept away everything from the sea bed, resulting in no fish being available on the Indian side of the Palk Bay.
Indian fishermen have to enter Sri Lankan waters to fish. And Sri Lankan fishermen began to complain that Indian trawlers would also destroy their sea bed. What is more, bottom trawlers are banned in Sri Lanka.
Suggestions
Two interrelated points must be highlighted. Even if India were to get back the island of Katchatheevu, the problems faced by Indian fishermen will continue.
And, if the Sri Lankan government were to file a case in the International Court of Justice — as the Philippines did against China a few years ago, India’s image in the comity of nations would take a nose dive.
Every challenge provides an opportunity. The problems in the Palk Bay can be solved only if we start thinking outside the box.
The Palk Bay is not a barrier but a bridge between India and Sri Lanka.
We must convert the Palk Bay from being a contested territory to one that is a common heritage.
The first essential prerequisite is for the Government of India to ban all fishing equipment which are banned in Sri Lanka.
And then, we should work to ensure that fishermen can equitably enjoy the rich marine wealth.
There can be a formula: Sri Lankan fishermen can fish in the Palk Bay for three days, while Indian fishermen can fish on the other three days. One day can be a holiday.
Conclusion
Such joint ventures will also help repair the damage Indian fishermen have caused to the livelihood of their Tamil counterparts.
It is only bold initiatives such as these that can lead to a win-win situation.
