Boundary issues: India, Bangladesh to work 'constructively'

India and Bangladesh today decided to work "constructively" in resolving differences to demarcate the land boundary in all three undemarcated areas, including Daikhata-56, and agreed that issues of Enclaves and Adverse Positions (APs) be addressed in a "pragmatic" manner.

The decisions were taken at the 4th India-Bangladesh Joint Boundary Working Group (JBWG) meeting held here, in which the Indian delegation was led by T S Tirumurti, Joint Secretary (BSM) in Ministry of External Affairs and the Bangladesh team was headed by Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary (Political) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The two-day meeting discussed all outstanding issues pertaining to the land boundary in a "cordial and friendly" atmosphere, with a view to arriving at a comprehensive solution, an official release said here.

Both sides agreed to work constructively towards resolving differences to demarcate the land boundary in all three undemarcated segments of Daikhata-56, Lathitilla-Dumabari and Muhuri River (Belonia).

Recalling the observations made during joint visits to enclaves and APs in May 2007, the two sides agreed that the issues of enclaves and APs should be addressed in a pragmatic manner.

"Both sides expressed satisfaction that mutually reconciled list of enclaves have already been prepared and signed. There are 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India. Both sides agreed to jointly take steps necessary to facilitate the process of exchange of these enclaves to their respective countries," it said.

In this context, both sides agreed that there was a need to find pragmatic solution to the issue keeping in mind the spirit of Land Boundary Agreement and also in the light of ground realities.

They agreed to jointly assess the areas in the lines of the joint exercise undertaken in 1996-97 and as a part of this understanding, both sides agreed to take up the APLs along Meghalaya-Bangladesh border on a priority basis.

They reaffirmed that pending resolution of outstanding boundary issues, there should be no disturbance of the status quo and peaceful conditions shall be maintained in the border regions as stipulated in Article 3 of LBA.

Both sides welcomed the understanding and cooperation between BSF and BDR on maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas, especially in APLs, until the outstanding issues are resolved.

The JBWG was set up in December 2000 to resolve matters relating to the demarcation of the undemarcated boundary between India and Bangladesh.

The two sides agreed to put in place all necessary arrangements, including infrastructure and security, expeditiously, with a view to implementing the decision to allow 24-hour unfettered access through Tin Bigha Corridor to Bangladesh nationals.

They agreed to meet in Dhaka at a mutually convenient time.