NEW DELHI, Dec 15 � Taken aback by the sharp reaction to the land transfer agreement with Bangladesh, the Centre has clarified that implementation of the Protocol to the Agreement Concerning the Demarcation of Land Boundary would maintain status quo on territories in adverse possession.
A protocol that was signed during the Prime Minister�s Bangladesh visit in September addresses the outstanding land boundary issues pertaining to the un-demarcated land boundary, exchange of enclaves and territories in adverse possession, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said.
The implementation of the protocol will preserve status quo on territories in adverse possession. The protocol, based on the situation on the ground, takes into account the wishes of the people residing in the areas involved and was prepared in close consultation and concurrence of the State Government concerned, including the Government of Assam, Ahamed replied.
The minister was responding to questions whether during the exchange of land belonging to Assam, the land owners were taken into confidence.
Meanwhile, the Centre has described the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina in January last and return visit by Prime Minister in September, as landmarks, leading to opening of a new chapter in relations between the two neighbours. Bilateral relations have moved forward on a pragmatic and practical approach based on sovereignty, equality, friendship, trust and understanding for mutual benefit and collective prosperity of the region.
