Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) With a political push from the leaders in both countries, India and Bangladesh Thursday wrapped up their fourth round of boundary talks by agreeing to resolve all pending issues in a “pragmatic” manner, including the more complex question of enclaves in each other’s territories.

The fourth delegation-level meeting of the Joint Boundary Working Group (JBWG) was held between India’s T.S. Tirumurti, joint secretary in charge of Bangladesh in the external affairs ministry, and Bangladesh’s Kamal Uddin Ahmed, joint secretary (political) in the ministry of home affairs.

The 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,” said a joint press statement after the two-day talks.

In an important step, both sides agreed to put in place all necessary arrangements, including infrastructure and security, promptly to allow 24-hour unfettered access through Tin Bigha Corridor to Bangladesh nationals.

The two sides agreed to work constructively to resolve differences to demarcate the land boundary in all three undemarcated segments: Daikhata-56, Lathitilla-Dumabari and Muhuri River (Belonia).

They also agreed to address the issues of enclaves and adverse possessions “in a pragmatic manner,” said the statement.

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,” said the joint statement.