NEW DELHI, Nov 11 � In a significant move aimed at resolving the long-pending boundary dispute, India and Bangladesh have agreed to take up a joint survey of Adverse Possession of Land (APLs) along Meghalaya � Bangladesh border, on a priority basis.
The decision was arrived at a meeting of the two-day Fourth India-Bangladesh Joint Boundary Working Group (JBWG) that concluded here today. Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, T.S. Tirumurti led the Indian delegation while the Bangladeshi delegation was led by Joint Secretary (Political), Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed.
On the contentious issue of territories under Adverse Possession, both sides reaffirmed that pending resolution of outstanding boundary issues, there should be no disturbance of the status quo and peaceful conditions shall be maintained in the border regions, as stipulated in Article 3 of Land Boundary Agreement (LBA).
Both sides agreed to work constructively towards resolving differences to demarcate the land boundary in all three undemarcated segments including Daikhata-56, Lathitilla-Dumabari and Muhuri River (Belonia).
The two sides agreed that there was a need to find a pragmatic solution to the issue keeping in mind the spirit of Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) and also in the light of ground realities, the joint statement said.
India and Bangladesh took note of 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.
