Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

In accordance with steps agreed to between India and Bangladesh during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh on June 6-7, 2015, as per the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) 1974 and Protocol of 2011, 51 erstwhile Bangladeshi enclaves in India and 111 erstwhile Indian enclaves in Bangladesh were physically transferred to the other country with effect from the midnight of 31 July 2015. Based on the joint survey exercise meticulously carried in the enclaves, it was determined that 989 persons out of total 38,521 residents from erstwhile Indian enclaves in Bangladesh have opted to retain their original nationality while all 14,863 residents of the Bangladesh enclaves in India have opted for Indian nationality.

Under the aegis of the India-Bangladesh Joint Boundary Working Group, modalities for the physical movement of these enclave residents were worked out. The State Government of West Bengal has put in place elaborate arrangements for their stay in temporary resettlement camps and for issue of necessary documentation to them. Facilities made available at the camps include tin houses, common dining hall and kitchen, community toilets, anganwadi centre, playground equipment, etc. Arrangements for bank account opening, biometric enrolment, currency exchange and relief kit for each family have been made. The first batch of 62 persons arrived through Changrabandha (India) - Burimari (Bangladesh) Immigration Check Post yesterday. They were greeted with honour in a joyous ceremony organised by the Cooch Behar district administration. The MP of Cooch Behar district, MLA of Cooch Behar district, District Magistrate of Cooch Behar, Superintendent of Police of Cooch Behar, Assistant High Commissioner of India in Rajshahi and others were present to welcome the returning Indians to India. 8 more batches will arrive in India by the stipulated deadline of November 30, 2015.

New Delhi
November 20, 2015