Our Correspondent / AMN /
A new dawn heralded in the history of the enclave people of Bangladesh and India as the two next-door neighbours exchanged enclaves at midnight last night as part of the process of implementing the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 1974.
The Midnight of July 31 marked the resolution of a complex issue that has lingered since Independence. It also marks the day from which enclave residents on both sides of the border will enjoy the benefits of nationality of India or Bangladesh, as the case may be, and thus access to civic services, education, healthcare and other facilities provided by the two governments to their respective nationals.
In Bangladesh, people in former Indian enclaves are in a festive mood. Having acquired Bangladeshi citizenship after 68 years of statelessness, they are hopeful and excited about their prospects as citizens. As many as 111 Indian enclaves were transferred to Bangladesh, and 51 Bangladesh enclaves to India Friday midnight in a historic moment, bringing into force the historic 1974 Mujib-Indira Land Boundary Agreement. Bangladesh’s President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted Bangladesh’s newest citizens. President Abdul Hamid said the land swap after 68 years of complicated land boundary problem is a historic development.
Prime Minister Hasina has said that the government will make every effort to rehabilitate the new citizens. Over 50,000 residents of 162 enclaves were given the chance to choose their citizenship during a 10-day joint survey held during 6th-16th July. Both governments have assured safe and secure passage to those opting to relocate till Nov. 30 this year.
Other steps relating to implementation of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and 2011 Protocol are under way in accordance with agreed modalities between the governments of India and Bangladesh, said MEA.
The actual option taking exercise was carried out by 75 teams operating in the enclaves in India and Bangladesh from July 6-16. At least 30 observers from both governments were also present in the enclaves during this survey period. Data from this joint exercise is now being verified by the Office of the Registrar General of India and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
July 31 marks the resolution of a complex issue that has lingered since Independence. It also marks the day from which enclave residents on both sides of the border will enjoy the benefits of nationality of India or Bangladesh, as the case may be, and thus access to civic services, education, healthcare and other facilities provided by the two governments to their respective nationals, sources said.
Other steps relating to implementation of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and 2011 Protocol are under way in accordance with agreed modalities between the governments of India and Bangladesh, said MEA.