India, Bangladesh census on enclaves soon

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN. 28. A joint census of about 194 enclaves in India and Bangladesh will be taken up shortly to facilitate transfer of the enclaves and exchange of adverse possessions.

The question of ratification of Indira-Mujib agreement of 1974 and boundary related matters would be discussed in the coming meeting of Foreign Secretaries of the two countries.

The enclaves on Indian and Bangladeshi sides together occupy an area of about 27,000 acres. Though no timeframe has been spelt out for the transfer of enclaves, work on demarcation of boundaries is nearing completion. The one-page proforma is being finalised in consultation with the West Bengal Government and the joint census would be taken up soon.

These issues were discussed at the sixth meeting of the Indo- Bangladesh Joint Working Group (JWG) which was held in Dhaka from January 24 to 26. While the Indian side was led by Mr. Gopal Pillai, Joint Secretary (North East), in the Home Ministry, the Bangladesh side was led by Mr. Janibul Huq, Joint Secretary (Political), Home Ministry.

According to Mr. Pillai security related issues, illegal entrants, border demarcation, border incidents, trans-border crimes, visa regime were discussed at the meeting.

Bangladesh assured the Indian delegation that they would not allow their territory to be used for activities prejudicial to the interests of India. About 50 ULFA and other cadres of militant outfits are still lodged in jails in Bangladesh, facing trial under various offences.

The two sides expressed concern over the incidents of firing in border areas and resolved to take appropriate measures to stop such incidents. Both the sides agreed to use the institution of nodal officers and other mechanism of cooperation between border authorities for defusing tension in the border areas.

It was decided that there would be immediate response to the request for flag meetings between the BSF and Bangladesh Rifles for more frequent interaction.

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