India-Bangladesh Boundary group meets in Delhi

New Delhi : The 4th India-Bangladesh Joint Boundary Working Group (JBWG) Meeting was held in New Delhi on November 10-11.

The Indian delegation was led by T.S. Tirumurti, Joint Secretary (BSM), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of the Republic of India and the Bangladesh delegation was led by Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary (Political), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of the People?s Republic of Bangladesh.

The JBWG was set up in December 2000 to resolve matters relating to the demarcation of the undemarcated boundary between India and Bangladesh and other outstanding issues pertaining to the territories in Adverse Possession (AP), Enclaves and also erection of permanent boundary pillars where necessary on the demarcated boundary.

The Group first met in July 2001 and has held three earlier meetings.

The 4th meeting of JBWG discussed all outstanding issues pertaining to the land boundary in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, with a view to arriving at a comprehensive solution.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the recent electrification of Dahagram and Angarpota of Bangladesh.

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

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

Both sides recalled the observations made during joint visits to enclaves and Adverse Possessions in May 2007 and agreed that the issues of Enclaves and APs should be addressed in a pragmatic manner.

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.