(a) the date on which the agreement was signed to give Kachchativu Island to Sri Lanka;
(b) the terms on which the Kachchativu Island was given;
(c) whether Sri Lanka has been abiding by the terms and conditions of the agreement; and
(d) if not, the steps the Government propose to take in the matter?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH)
(a) & (b) The Agreement between India and Sri Lanka on the Boundary in Historic Waters between the Two Countries and Related Matters was signed in June 1974. The Agreement states that Indian fishermen and pilgrims will enjoy access to visit Kachchativu as hitherto, and will not be required by Sri Lanka to obtain travel documents or visas for these purposes.
(c) & (d) Fulfillment of these traditional rights has been in abeyance since 1983 due to the security situation in the Palk Straits. The matter remains under discussion between the two Governments.