India and Bangladesh have signed a historic agreement to swap enclaves, resolving an issue that has existed since colonial times and left thousands of people stateless.
The two countries have exchanged a total of 162 enclaves situated inside each other`s territory, with India receiving 51 enclaves and Bangladesh receiving 111 enclaves. The deal was signed on June 6, 2015, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during Modi`s visit to Bangladesh.
This agreement ends a complicated territorial dispute that began in the 18th century when the Mughal Empire ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent. The enclaves are tiny pockets of land that are completely surrounded by the territory of another country.
There were 111 Indian enclaves inside Bangladesh, with a total area of 17.1 square kilometers and a population of 37,334. On the other hand, Bangladesh had 51 enclaves inside India, with a total area of 7.1 square kilometers and a population of 14,215. These enclaves have persisted over the centuries due to various historical and political reasons.
The people residing in these enclaves have been trapped in a legal limbo, denied access to basic amenities like healthcare, education, and banking. They have been unable to vote and have been excluded from all government welfare schemes. The enclaves had been used for smuggling and illegal activities, with authorities from both sides unable to act due to jurisdictional issues.
The enclaves have also been a source of conflict, with border guards from both countries clashing in the past. The agreement is expected to bring lasting peace to the region, with both countries committed to ensuring the safety and security of their citizens.
The agreement also includes provisions for the exchange of land, with India ceding 111 enclaves to Bangladesh and receiving 51 in return. This will lead to the demarcation and fencing of the border, making it more secure and reducing the number of illegal crossings.
The India-Bangladesh enclaves agreement is a shining example of how two countries can work together to end a long-standing boundary dispute and bring lasting peace to the region. It is a significant step forward for the people living in these enclaves, who will finally get access to basic amenities and become equal citizens of their respective countries. Overall, the agreement is a win-win situation for both India and Bangladesh, demonstrating the importance of peaceful dialogue and cooperation in resolving territorial disputes.