Assam set to lose 60 acres of land to B’desh

Defying a simmering storm of protest Delhi is set to leave Bangladesh 60 acres of Adverse Possession Land in Dhubri and Karimganj districts in Assam. The formalities would be cleared on Tuesday when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be visiting Dhaka on Tuesday. Both the countries are set to sign an agreement on exchange of enclaves in Dhaka in presence of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

Apart from the 60 acres of land in Pallathal, currently under the adverse possession of Bangladesh, the country is not going to hand over any land or enclave anywhere in Assam.

The neighbouring country has sought a total 360 acre APL in Pallathal and 145 acres APL in Nayagaon. But Delhi agreed to only 60 acres in Pallathal. A string of difference will force India to halt its swap proceedings in 3 km long international boundary at Lalitilla and Dumabari sector in Assam.

Sources said the Directorate of Land Records and Survey of Assam has been insisting on acceptance of cadastral map of Dumabari village of 1915-16 whereas Bangladesh's Director General of Land Record and Survey has been insisting for acceptance of theodolite traverse data of Dumabari village on the basis of demarcation.

Notably, Vishwa Hindu Parishad observing a bandh in Assam claiming that India will hand over to Bangladesh 600 acres of land in Dhubri district after the pact is signed.