Jubilant crowds celebrated historic exchange of enclaves between India and Bangladesh which happened at midnight, on July 31, 2015, enclaves ending nearly four decades old deadlock. As the clock struck one minute past midnight, thousands of people erupted in cheers of celebration for their new citizenship.
Torches and candles were lit, people came out of their houses, burst crackers and hugged each other as part of the celebrations with their eyes shining bright with hope. Their facial expressions showed ecstasy after decades of isolation and deprivation during which they were denied even the basic civic amenities.
162 tiny enclaves, 111 in Bangladesh and 51 in India, were officially handed over to the countries surrounding them after Dhaka and New Delhi struck a border agreement in June.
Ending a border dispute, the much-awaited exchange of enclaves (Chhitmahals) between India and Bangladesh came into effect at the stroke of midnight on 31st July 2015. Crackers were burst and people rejoiced as India and Bangladesh exchanged enclaves, ending the 68 years of stateless existence for over 51,000 enclave dwellers.
"July 31, 2015 will thus be a historic day for both India and Bangladesh. The day marks the resolution of a complex issue that has lingered since independence. It also marks the day from which enclave residents on both sides of the border will enjoy the benefits of nationality of India or Bangladesh, as the case may be and thus access to civic services, education, healthcare and other facilities provided by the two governments to their respective nationals," said an official statement released by the central government.
“We were Indian citizens in names, but cut off from the mainland. With the transfer, we’ve now become Bangladeshi citizens and can now access all citizenship benefits,” said Khandaker, a resident of an enclave.
"We have been in darkness for 68 years," said Russel Khandaker, 20, as he danced with friends in the Dashiar Chhara enclave, which belonged to India, but has now become part of Bangladesh. "We've finally seen the light," he told.
"This is the biggest celebration of my life. I can't describe how I feel today," said Parul Khatun, 35, a resident of the Indian enclave of Kot Bajni.
Prodeep Kumar Barman sang a devotional song praising Lord Krishna as he led his troupe near a temple at the main bazaar in Dashiar Chhara, singing: "Oh what a joy, what a joy!"
Maidul Islam, 18 a resident of an enclave said: “We’re now human being with full human rights.”
At the stroke of midnight on 31st July 2015, 50 Bangladeshi enclaves in Indian territory, turned into Indian land with an Indian pin code. Altogether 14,856 residents of these enclaves became Indian citizens, putting an end to an agony that started in 1947 with the Partition.
As many as 37,369 Indian enclave dwellers live in Bangladesh, while 14,856 people reside in Bangladeshi enclaves in India. On Friday midnight, India transferred 17,158 acres to Bangladesh, and in turn received 7,110 acres.
"We have achieved the dream that did not let us sleep all these years," said Diptiman Sengupta, chief coordinator of Bharat Bangladesh Enclave Exchange Coordination Committee.
By Premji
