Chennai, Apr 2 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution

urging the Centre to retrieve Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Sri Lanka through a1974

agreement, and protect the traditional rights of fishermen, besides securing those

arrested by Sri Lankan Navy.

The resolution was moved by Chief Minister M K Stalin and Floor Leaders of various

political parties spoke on the issue after which it was adopted.

It said retrieval of the Islet is the only permanent solution to protect the traditional fishing

rights of fishermen.

Referring to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Sri Lanka on

April four and five, the resolution urged him to hold talks with the Island government

to secure the release of the imprisoned fishermen, along with their boats on a

goodwill basis.

While urging the Centre to mitigate the sufferings of the fishermen, it also sought

immediate review of the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement and take all steps to retrieve

the Katchatheevu island.



It said "Retrieval of Katchatheevu Island is the only permanent solution to protect

the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen and to mitigate the sufferings

faced by them due to the Sri Lankan Navy".

"Considering the above, this august House unanimously urges the Union Government

to immediately review the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement and take all steps to retrieve

Katchatheevu Island; and urges the Honourable Prime Minister of India, to hold talks

with the Sri Lankan Government to get all our imprisoned fishermen released along

with their boats on a goodwill basis, during his official visit to Sri Lanka", it said.

UNI GV 1325