Pilgrims from TN may be barred from going to Katchatheevu

Rameswaram, Mar 1 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government may not allow pilgrims from the state to visit the Katchatheevu island for the annual festival of St. Anthony Church held during the first week of March.

Reliable sources told UNI here today that the government had sent a communication to Ramanathapuram District Collector to take stern action against those who violate this.

The government haD taken this decision in view of the fierce fighting between the Sri Lankan forces and LTTE, and the installation of Under Water Defence System (UWDS) by the Lankan Navy between Katchatheevu and Delft Islands to check the movement of Sea Tigers.

The violators could be booked under Indian Passport Act.

Similarly, the boats used for carrying the pilgrims to the Katchatheevu would be seized and action would be taken against the boat owners under Tamil Nadu Fisheries Act.

The Tamil Nadu government has sought the assistance of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to prevent the pilgrims trespassing into Katchatheevu Island. The Government has requested the Indian Navy and ICG to send back the fishermen or pilgrims who attempt to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) to reach Katchatheevu More UNI GSM LPB RK1355