In 2011, India and Bangladesh signed the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) Protocol that resolved a six-decade-old boundary dispute between the two countries. This agreement not only settled the long-standing territorial disputes but also paved the way for improved relations and greater cooperation between the two neighbors.
The India-Bangladesh border is over 4,000 km long, and the land boundary dispute has been a contentious issue since the partition of India in 1947. The dispute involved enclaves, counter-enclaves, and undefined border segments, creating a complicated boundary that led to various conflicts and issues such as smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal migration.
After several rounds of discussions, negotiations, and diplomatic efforts, India and Bangladesh finally signed the LBA Protocol on September 6, 2011. The agreement involved the exchange of enclaves and adverse possession territories, the demarcation of boundaries, and the allotment of uninhabited lands.
Under the agreement, India gave away 111 enclaves of 17,160 acres to Bangladesh while Bangladesh ceded 51 enclaves of 7,110 acres to India. The exchange also involved resolving issues related to about 6.5 km of undefined borders and demarcating the remaining borders with physical pillars.
The LBA Protocol also included provisions for the resettlement of the affected population, who were given the option to choose their nationality and were allowed to move to their respective countries. The agreement also provided for the protection of the rights of the affected population and the restoration of their land and property.
The signing of the LBA Protocol was a significant milestone for both India and Bangladesh, marking the end of a long-standing territorial dispute that had strained their relations for decades. The agreement was also seen as a positive step towards greater regional integration and cooperation in South Asia.
In conclusion, the Land Boundary Agreement Protocol signed in 2011 was a crucial moment in the history of India and Bangladesh. The resolution of a six-decade-long territorial dispute improved relations between the two countries and paved the way for greater cooperation in the region. The agreement also provided a framework for the protection of the rights of the affected population and the management of the border.