INTERNATIONAL BORDER DISPUTES & ADVERSE-POSSESSIONS OF INDIA-BANGLADESH INTERNATIONAL BORDER

WHITE PAPER OF LAND DISPUTE & LAND SWAP DEAL BETWEEN INDIA & BANGLADESH
Sir Cyril Radcliff, the English gentleman, who headed the boundary commission during the partition of India in the year, 1947, drew a straight line on a topographic map. As a result of this, hills, rivers, forests, human habitations, agricultural-fields, etcetera of India and Pakistan tragically divided. It affected vastly in Eastern Indian region. That is, especially in India Bangladesh International Border or India Bangladesh International Boundary (IBIB). Earlier Bangladesh was a part of East Bengal (that is, locally called Purbo Bango or Purbo Bangla, which later renamed as East Pakistan, locally called Purbo Pakistan [of West Pakistan, known as Poshchim Pakistan] of present Pakistan State) and then Bangladesh after 16th December, 1971. Still, both the above nations have not done enough to get rid of the ghost of Radcliff. It is fact that the international boundary demarcation in the Indian Subcontinent cuts across communities and tribes. The three major river systems, the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra by cutting across the boundary-lines of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have further exacerbated the tension between them resulting from disputes over the share of water also. This particular above international border shares with /touches the Indian states Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram and West Bengal. Though, apart from that there are a number of disputes and problems on the India Bangladesh International Border (IBIB), which are still existed. These have occurred mainly due to the very nature of alignment of the international boundary, thickly populated area close to the zero-line of the said international border, nondemarcation of a portion of the international boundary (of about 05.974-kilometre), non ratification of the international boundary and phenomenons like Adverse Possession, Changing of the Course of River, Char (that is, River Island) land and Enclave, etcetera. Although, the interesting fact is that there are also some places in Indo-Bangla International Boundary, whose occupants are Bangladeshi but are usually govern by the Government of India and vice-versa. For a unique example : Pyrdiwah (locally known as, Padua, under East Khashi Hills district of Meghalaya State in Eastern India) is an adverse possession of India in Bangladesh, while on the other hand, Boraibari is an adverse-possession of Bangladesh in India. Both hamlets are being positioned on Indo-Bangla international border. In the context IBIB, officials of the one of the elite forces of India, Border Security Force of India (BSFI) revealed, There are various places along the demarcated India-Bangladesh International Border (which is called De-jure border), where the territory falls on the Indian part (which is actually the part of India) but under the occupation of Bangladesh and vice-versa. De-facto border does not coincide with the De-jure boundary. The places have fallen between De-jure and De-facto border is called adverse possessions (see sketch).
Bangladesh Territory Under Adverse Possession of India BANGLADESH

SHIB SHANKAR CHATTERJEE

DE -JURE BDY DE -FACTO BDY

INDIA

As stated by Article 02, 03 and 05 of the India-Bangladesh International (demarcation of) Land Boundary Pact-1974, the lands held by adversely will have to be changed after the above noted pact (that is, international boundary agreement) has not only been okayed and signed (that is, admissible for both the above nations) but also aforesaid international border strip maps are drawn or made properly. Repetition of the condition, because, there have been several examples, where the peoples of Bangladesh and the frontier guard Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB), which was earlier known as Bangladesh Defence Rifles or Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) also have attempted to take control by force of adverse possessions, which are held by us. But, it is fact that on the other hand, in consent of the international border pact between the above two nations, we havent meddled with our land held adversely by Bangladesh. It is fact that the most important, critical and confusing problems of Indo-Bangla international boundary was the presence of adverse possessions. The plots of land that lie in the aforesaid international border have been cultivating by the peoples, who have been dwelling there since pre-independent period. Therefore, it is very difficult to acquire those stretches of land and build International Barbed Wire Border Fence (IBWBF) and International Border Road (IBR) to prevent incessant illegal influx, smuggling, religious fundamental activities, anti-Indian activities and insurgency. These things are visible in many places of Assam, West-Bengal, Tripura and Meghalaya

(Sketch : Border Security Force of India [BSFI], 1999)

States of India. But, in these connections, Bangladesh Government referred the accord of 1975 to maintain status quo on adverse possessions and these small gaps, where IBWBF and IBR are unable to build due to insufficient of land (which is below 150-yards or 137-metres), mentioned one of the officials of the Indian National Building Construction Corporation Limited (NBCCL), which is engaged to make the IBWBF and IBR in IBIB at Karimganj district of Indian State, Assam. Supporting the fact, another organization Indian National Project Construction Corporation Limited (NPCCL), which is also involved to construct the IBWBF and IBR in IBIB, pointed out, Therefore, erecting IBWBF and building IBR along the said particular international border areas are difficult problems. It could not be possible to make the IBWBF either depriving the Indian peoples of their respective lands or extricating the Bangladeshi nationals from the illegally occupied Indian lands, which is under adverse possessions of Bangladesh. If it happens, then it can create nothing but bloody tussle. However, in this matter, BSFI officials further stated, We will carry out our duties over coming all the problems. So, that our (that is, Indian) farmers could be allowed to do their duties in their respective plots of land, that is, passages in adverse possessions (at their own risk) through manned International Border Gate (IBG)s. But, the matter was not as simple, easy and clear, as it seems to be. Sentiment of the inhabitants was also a factor to be reckoned here. The peoples were residing on the aforesaid international border (Khashi Tribe people in Meghalaya State, Assamese people in Assam State and Bengali people in West Bengal and Tripura States) desire to maintain their traditional life as they did in the past. When the total length of the aforesaid international border was measured all together, at that time the total amount of adversely held areas by Bangladesh and India was approximately 03,017.160-acres and 02,587.250-acres respectively (however, in this context, a list of Adverse Possessions of above both countries are given below in TableI & Table-II). That means, there were about 52-numbers of piece of land existed, which practically belongs to Bangladesh but actually were in adverse possession of India, while on the other hand, therere about 49-numbers of piece of land, which were practically belonging to India but actually under the adverse possession of Bangladesh. Though, these were small pieces of land varying in size from 05-acres to 500-acres, which was created due to geographical, historical, political, social, cultural or other reasons, but remain in the possession of one country even through by physical demarcation they should be handed over to the other, said experts. On the other hand, another section of socio-political observers stated, India seized 47-numbers of tract of Bangladeshi land in adverse possession, while Bangladesh grabbed 43-numbers of tract of land, which belongs to India. That means, around 02,749.15-acres of land was being in the adverse possession of Bangladesh (in other words, enclaves surrounded by Bangladeshi territory), while India possessed around 02,922.25-acres of land that lie in the adverse-possession. But, Except Adverse Possessions and 03-numbers of major disputed area (Dispute of Daikhata in Berubari Area under Indian State-West Bengal [while the opposite side Nilphamari district of Bangladesh], Dispute of Lathitilla and Dumabaroi {which is locally called Dumabari} Area under Indian State-Assam [while the opposite side Maulvibazar district of Bangladesh] and Dispute of Muhuri River under Indian State-Tripura [while the opposite side Feni district of Bangladesh], with a total 05.974-kilometre out of) 04,096.70-kilometres international border between these two countries is clearly defined, pointed out by the analysts.
TABLE-I

AT A GLANCE

MAJOR DISPUTED AREAS BETWEEN INDIA & BANGLADESH

SERIAL NUMBER

DISPUTED LAND AREAS

INDIAN SIDE

BANGLADESH SIDE

AREA (In Kilometre)

01. 02. 03. Total

DAIKHATA-BERUBARI

LATHITILLA-DUMABAROI MUHURI RIVER ISLAND Disputed Areas

Coochbehar District of West Bengal State Karimganj District of Assam State South Tripura District of Tripura State

Nilphanmari District Maulvibazar District Feni District

01.500 02.874 01.600/02.000

05.974/06.374

(Source : Border Security Force Of India [BSFI], 05th September, 2011)

Earlier, India and Pakistan had already demarcated 03,000 kilometers out of 04,000 kilometers of international boundary in the east before 1971. But, after three years (that is, 1971), an agreement was reached between the then Prime Minister (PM) of India, Indira Gandhi and the then PM of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibar Rahman in the year, 1974 (which is popularly known as Indira-Muijib Pact, 16th May, 1974). The aforesaid 1974 accord between the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh and the Government of the Republic of India concerning the demarcation of the international land boundary between Bangladesh and India and related matters. Out of 04,096.70-kilometers international border area between the above two nations, India and Bangladesh share 02,979.70-kilometres International Land Border (ILB) and 01,116-kilometres International Riverine Boundary (IRB), while both countries share around 54-numbers of river. Presently, almost above two

countries finished the work of demarcation of 04,096.70-kilometers international border area, except 05.974kilometre (Indian State claimed)/06.374-kilometre (Bangladesh State claimed), which were the chief spots during Partition-1947, Indo-Pak War-1965 as well as the Liberation War-1971 between above two states, India and Pakistan. Not only that above these particular 05.974-kilometre stretches of ILB and IRB territories were used as corridor for imparting training to Mukti-Bahini (that is, Liberation Force) of Bangladesh (under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibar Rahman) to liberate their country Bangladesh during the Freedom Movement of Bangladesh, 1971. After Bangladesh had liberated herself from the cruel clutches of Pakistan with the help of India (that is, Indian Army) and the people of both the nations, India annulled few pacts. These pacts were India-Pakistan Agreement 10th September, 1958, Indo-Pak Treaty 23rd October, 1959 and India-Pakistan Accord 11th January, 1960, which revealed about the settlement on certain international boundary disputes between the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan relating to the boundaries of the Indian States Assam, West Bengal, Tripura (which was earlier recognized as Indian Union Territory) with former East Pakistan (which was part of present Pakistan, but, presently-Bangladesh) and Punjab with earlier West Pakistan (but presentlyPakistan). This intention for imperfect demarcation was short lived for after independence, the Government of Bangladesh turned down the same. The Government of India expressed that the desire for territorial exchange would be only fulfilled, when the entire aforesaid international boundary will properly demarcated. Earlier in 1958, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then PM of India took initiative to demarcate the boundaryline between India and Pakistan without retardation and so didnt wait for the governmental process to be over in the eastern part of India. As a result, many important places or spots were not given proper importance at the time of making the list, which were termed as the places of Adverse Possession. But, Pundit Nehrus desire for demarcating boundary was at last come into force, when Indian Parliament in the year, 1960 passed the Indian Constitutional Amendment Bill with two-third majority, which helped both India and Pakistan to finalise the international boundary in the West. In the East also the same thing was going to be happened with Pakistan, but unfortunately after the Pakistan lost the battle (that is, War of Liberation, 1971) with India and the creation of a new state Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibar Rahman. With the birth of this new state or country, Bangladesh on 16th December, 1971, the discussion for making permanent international boundary set forth in the year, 1972. The famous Indo-Bangla Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation & Peace, 19th March, 1972, between the two countries was clearing the path for the resolution of all border disputes and exchanging of lands that fell in each others territory. However, during the annual meetings of Indias frontier international border guard BSFI and the Bangladeshs frontier international border force BGB at the level of Director-general, the Bangladesh Government was repeatedly raising this issue. But, the Indias stand was that the BSFI is not competent to take any action, as it was basically a political decision or matter. On the other hand, the BGB had been insisting on that they had the mandate from their government to raise this issue with India. However, Article 4 of the Indo-Bangla (demarcation of land boundary) Accord, 1974, connected the two sides to maintain peace and tranquility on the aforesaid international border and eschewed the use of force for making any changes at the said boundary. Though, in December, 2000, foreign secretary-level talks held in the capital of India, New Delhi took the decision to set up two new Joint working Groups (JWGs). Firstly : To demarcate the contentions 05.974 kilometre international borderline, which remains disputed and Secondly : To go into the question of exchange of territories lies in adverse-possession and enclave (that is, locally called - Chhitmahal). But, ideally, this JWGs a multidisciplinary task force comprising not only diplomats but also officials of the border security agencies, irrigation experts and people specialising in repatriated of disputed settlement. Although, India had already proposed to Bangladesh in December, 1999, when the then Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Shafi Sami, came to India to discuss for setting up of a JWG about the above international border, while it was finalised in February, 2001. However, the discussion of making new map for the area having controversy was set about. It was regarding to offer options to those Indian (family and people)s of Bangladesh (whore living in the Bangladeshi soil in Adverse Possessions and Enclaves) either to stay in Bangladesh or to return to India; even, those peoples would also be allowed to carryout agriculture activities too. On the other hand, similar facilities or provisions were also given to Bangladeshis, whore living in Indian soil (that is, Adverse Possessions and Enclaves). Further, there was another option to remake Radcliff line to enable the adverse-possession areas was included in either of the countries in a give and take mutual agreement of the said two states and perhaps, this was going to take place between the aforesaid two nations by 06th September, 2011 to 07th September, 2011 at the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, during the visit of Indian PM, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Nevertheless, scholars claimed, The chief cause of the displeasure between the two states regarding adverse-possession was in 1947, when Sir Cyril Radcliff, the British Engineer, who was apportioned and assigned the work of demarcating the boundary between the two new independent countries India and Pakistan, which as a result of this, (his) quick injudicious task of legacy left behind a clash between two states till today to pay a heavy price. But, presently, the main agreement relating to the India-Bangladesh international border was the IndiraMuijib Pact, 16th May, 1974, between the India and Bangladesh concerning the demarcation of the international

land boundary between Bangladesh and India and related matters. Article 02 of this pact envisaged that all the areas in adverse possession of each country would be measured and demarcated at the earliest.
TABLE-II

STATE & DISTRICT WISE LIST OF ADVERSE POSSESSIONS UNDER BANGLADESH & INDIA

AT A GLANCE

BANGLADESH LAND UNDER ADVERSE POSSESSION OF INDIA

SERIAL NUMBER 01. 02. 03. 04. 05. TOTAL LOCATION PALANGIR HAT CHANDAN NAGAR DURGA NAGAR MARANDIPARA BELCHERA TRIPURA STATE (INDIA) INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER 1995/3-S to 1995/4-S 1904 to 1905 1963/8-S to 1963/21-S 1964/13-S to 1964/17-S 1969/1-S to 1969/3-S 1968/6-S to 1968/8-S 1995/3-S to 1968/8-S INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER 1354/2-S to 1355 1354/2-S to 1355 INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER 1264/4-S to 1265/4-S 1265/6-S to 1265/9-S 1266/11-S to 1267/2-S 1267/6-T to 1268/4-S 1270 to 1271/7-S 1275/1-S to 1275/9-S 1277/2-S to 1277/4-S 1277/9-S to 1277/14-S 1278/1-S to 1279/3-S 1280/4-S to 1282 1282 to 1282/2-S 1283 to 1283/4-S 1284/1-S to 1285/2-T 1264/4-S to 1285/2-T INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER 378/2-S to 379/M 380/M to 382/2-S Near IBPN 386/1-S 387/3-S to 388/1-S Near IBPN 392/3-S Near IBPN 388/7-S 402/3-S to 404/4-S Near IBPN 772/MP IBPs not existing 753/6-S to 754/2-S 769/M to 772/M 61/3-S to 61/5-S 81/M to 82/12-R 80/12-R to 81/M 78/M to 80/12-R 242/20-R to 243/M 243/M to 243/8-S 243/2-S to 243/8-S 240/9-R to 242/20-R 240/9-R to 242/M TOTAL AREA (In Acres) 000.350 140.050 020.000 001.500 161.900 TOTAL AREA (In Acres) 007.000 007.000 TOTAL AREA (In Acres) 011.000 011.000 014.000 320.000 003.600 010.000 007.300 041.800 042.900 013.800 021.100 053.300 549.800 DISTRICT CACHAR DISTRICT
TRIPURA (WEST)

DHALAI
TRIPURA (WEST) TRIPURA (WEST) TRIPURA (WEST)

SERIAL NUMBER 06. TOTAL

LOCATION HARI NAGAR ASSAM STATE (INDIA)

SERIAL NUMBER 07. 08. 09. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. TOTAL

LOCATION LYNGKHAT-I LYNGKHAT LYNGKHAT-II KURINALA PYRDWAH TAMABIL NALJURI-I NALJURI-II NALJURI-III RONGKHONG AMKI AMJALONG MUKTAPUR MEGHALAYA STATE (INDIA)

DISTRICT KHASI HILLS (EAST) KHASI HILLS (EAST) KHASI HILLS (EAST) KHASI HILLS (WEST) JAINTIA HILLS JAINTIA HILLS JAINTIA HILLS JAINTIA HILLS JAINTIA HILLS JAINTIA HILLS JAINTIA HILLS JAINTIA HILLS

SERIAL NUMBER 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38.

LOCATION CHAKLAGARH BARABILLA SATVITA BARAGHARIA DANGAPARA HATHKHOLA KUMARGACH MANIKGANJ CHILLAHATI BERUBARI (KHUDIPARA) SATKURA NONAGANJ CHANDPUR BIJOYPUR/HALDARPARA GEDE BATTALI SAPMARI LAXMINARAYAN PUR KHUTADAH/BATTOLI HARIPAL

TOTAL AREA (In Acres) 060.000 016.000 060.000 020.000 005.000 002.000 012.500 074.440 454.440 028.930 628.900 020.000 005.600 002.150 021.610 005.730 001.070 024.190 004.480 008.980

DISTRICT DINAJPUR DINAJPUR DINAJPUR DINAJPUR DINAJPUR DINAJPUR DINAJPUR JALPAIGURI JALPAIGURI JALPAIGURI JALPAIGURI NADIA NADIA NADIA NADIA MALDA MALDA MALDA MALDA MALDA

39. TOTAL

SONEGHAT WEST BENGAL STATE (INDIA)

240/M to 240/9-R 239/13-R to 240/M 378/2-S to 240/M

TABLE-III

001.050 01,437.600

MALDA

(Source : Border Security Force of India [BSFI], 1999)

AT A GLANCE

STATE & DISTRICT WISE LIST OF ADVERSE POSSESSIONS UNDER BANGLADESH & INDIA

INDIAN LAND UNDER ADVERSE POSSESSION OF BANGLADESH

SERIAL NUMBER 01. TOTAL LOCATION RANGAMURA TRIPURA STATE (INDIA) INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER 1996/42 to 1996/43-S 1996/42 to 1996/43-S TOTAL AREA (In Acres) 000.170 000.170 DISTRICT TRIPURA (WEST)

SERIAL NUMBER 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. TOTAL

LOCATION AKASHMALIK (NATHPUR) RASULPUR (PIRA NAGAR) KASHKHANAKPUR (LIVERPOTTA) BIABILL (LIVERPOTTA) MIAGUL (CHANDINAGAR) SER ALI PUR & UTTARKUL (HARINAGAR) BERATHAKURI (HARINAGAR) PALLATHAL (MADANPUR) BORAIBARI LUBHACHERA BALICHERA (LUBHACHERA) NUTANCHERA (NUNCHERA) LAHILLING BORO HILLS ASSAM STATE (INDIA)

INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER 1341/2-S to 1341/7-S 1345/2-S to 1347 1347/11-S to 1348/5-S 1350/9-T to 1351 1352/7-S to 1352/9-S 1352/10-S to 1352/12-S 1352/16-S to 1353 1353 to 1354 1354/M to 1354/7-S 1369 to 1372 1066/3-S to 1067/5-S 1318/1-S to 1318/2-S 1315/15-S to 1316/3-S 1316/6-S to 1316/13-S 1317 to 1317/7-S 1269/40-T to 1270 1341/7-S to 1269/40-T INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER 372/6-S to 372/7-S 382/1-S to 382/2-S 383/M to 385/M Near IBP Number 381 402/M to 402/3-S IBPs not available IBPs not available 929/9-S to 929/10-S 929/10-S to 930/M 930/1-S to ---------154/5-S to 157/1-S 152/2-S to 153/1-S 150/4-S to 151/1-S 149/3-S to 150/M 147/5-S to 147/6-S 147/7-S to 148/M 242/7-R to 242/10-R 372/7-S to 242/7-R

TOTAL AREA (In Acres) 007.400 009.300 017.600 005.500 007.100 110.900 019.600 384.510 191.440 009.600 004.400 007.400 016.200 000.150 791.100

DISTRICT CACHAR CACHAR CACHAR CACHAR CACHAR CACHAR CACHAR KARIMGANJ DHUBRI CACHAR CACHAR CACHAR CACHAR
KHASHI HILLS(EAST)

SERIAL NUMBER 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. TOTAL

LOCATION SRIPUR SONAMATI BELAGACHI DINGAPARA KUMARGACH AMAR KHANA BARASHASHI NARAYANGANJ KHARIJA HARIDAS HARIDAS KUMAR KARIMPUR CHARLAND (MADHUGURI) NARSHARIPARA BALIASHISHA NEW SIKARPUR NEW SIKARPUR CHARBORIAPUR KHUTADAH WEST BENGAL STATE (INDIA)

TOTAL AREA (In Acres) 093.000 021.000 017.000 001.740 004.500 063.150 023.700 001.500 01, BIGHA 02, BIGHA 01,376.880 384.000 001.100 033.000 017.360 018.300 001.000 02,062.230

DISTRICT DINAJPUR DINAJPUR DINAJPUR DINAJPUR DINAJPUR JALPAIGURI JALPAIGURI COOCHBEHAR COOCHBEHAR COOCHBEHAR NADIA NADIA NADIA NADIA NADIA NADIA NADIA

Earlier, in this context, while Bangladesh ratified the Indira-Mujib agreement, 1974 in their Bangladesh Jatio Sangshad (that is, National Parliament of Bangladesh), in the year, 1975; but, it is yet to be ratified by India in her parliament. The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India was of opinion that the ratification by Bangladesh is conditional to the entire border being demarcated and India will ratify the treaty only, when (once) the process is completed.

(Source : Border Security Force of India [BSFI], 1999)

Following this, this time, the areas in adverse possession and 05.974-kilometres ILB and IRB stretches would be finally exchanged after the ratification of the deals in the parliaments of both the nations (that is, In Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jatio Sangshad and in India, Indian Parliament). Though, on these particular issues there was a pact was signed between the aforesaid two nations on 07th September, 2011 at Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh by the two premiers Sheikh Hasina Wazed of Bangladesh and Dr. Manmohan Singh of India. But, whatever may the facts, the true cause of delay in the work of demarcating the above international boundary between India-Bangladesh have had fear of losing vote-bank as well as the indifferent attitudes of Congress (I) led Indian Government and nothing else. Actually, the India-Bangladesh International Border is a peculiar one. It is also fact that this particular international border has been divided the natural boundaries like forests, hills, rivers, social, economical and cultural boundaries like human habitations, agricultural fields and religious places, etcetera. But, it is an impossible task to seal the aforesaid international border, because the territory has some kind of porosity are always be there. Over and above, therere some parts in the IBWBF that stands just on the said international boundary, which cant be fenced as the terrain is either riverine or has thick vegetation, said the former Director General (DG) of Border Security Force of India (BSFI), Ashim Kumar Mitra at a press conference at New Delhi, the capital of India on 07th October, 2006. Yet, the Government of India had given order to the agencies like BSFI to go-ahead to erect the IBWBF within 150-yards of the zero line of places, where human habitation couldnt exist or didnt allow leaving the space for it. Later on, when the Indian Union Home Ministry had instituted scrutinisation on the works related to the creation of IBWBF that required leaving 150-yards (that is, 137-metres) of land from the actual zero-point, some unwanted situations or chaos or problems created by the IBV peoples of both sides. It led Indian to loss vast land areas in and around the entire above India-Bangladesh international border. It was at this juncture; the Government of India took a decision and issued a directive that the above IBWBF be constructed from the zero-point. But, Bangladesh said that they were unwilling to under take any construction or erection within the 137-metres from the actual international boundary zero-point. Presently, almost entire India and Bangladesh international border demarcation has completed including 05.974/06.374-kilometre, which is fallen in the area of Indian States Assam, West Bengal and Tripura respectively. That is, 02.874-kilometre area in Assam as well as 01.500-kilometre in West Bengal and 01.600kilometre in Tripura. Since the years 1947 and afterward (or 1971), out of 04,096.70-kilometres Indo-Bangla international boundary, these above three most disputed patches (which comprises 05.974-kilometre) of areas, always created a vulnerable situations, like conflict (most of the time) between the aforesaid two respective neighbouring countries. These three vulnerable or most disputed areas were Firstly : Area of Muhuri Char (River) under Belonia Sub-division of South Tripura district in Tripura State of India, which lies on Indo-Bangla international border. Here, the disputes persisted at least in 01.600-kilometre area of this riverside, where Bangladesh insisted in keeping the river completely under their territory. For the villagers and fishermen the riverbed is important for their survival and so, it created the bone of contention for both sides. But, Sir Cyril Radcliff Line, 1947 and the Indira-Mujib Pact, 16th May, 1974, said that the international border should be at midpoint of the river. Secondly : Area of International Border Village (IBV)s Lathitilla and Dumabaroi under Patharkandi Block in Karimganj district of Indian State, Assam that lies on Indo-Bangla international boundary. Here, the disputes persisted at least in 02.874-kilometre area. The villagers of these above IBVs had been paying tax to Indian Assam State Government regularly out of coercion. The astonishing fact was that the original map or diagram (which was prepared during British period) was reportedly missing and henceforth or from that time onward no permanent decision could be taken (here). The Indian Government had been emphasizing repeatedly that the Government of Bangladesh must show the original one, likely to be kept in the archives of district headquarter Sylhet of Bangladesh. Thirdly : Area of Daikhata under Boda Police Station of Panchagarh district in Rajsahi Division of Bangladesh (just opposite side Coochbehar district of Indian State, West-Bengal) lies on Indo-Bangla international border and here the disputes persist at least in 01.500-kilometres area. The root cause of the dispute in this particular spot was the change of a small river course. International Border Disputes : According to the officials of the International Border Force (BSFI), The territorial disputes generally occur because of tempering or attempts to tamper with existing boundary, which occur due to some natural or human consequences. Natural Causes Generally arises in riverine areas, where International Border Pillar (IBP)s either get up-rooted or eroded or washed away. Human causes Practically arises due to deliberate efforts to nibble or encroach upon the established boundary. But, historically, the boundary disputes occur for various causes : Firstly : Territorial Boundary Disputes & Positional Boundary Disputes Generally or outwardly it may appears to be the same. But, it is not that every territorial claim means nothing but a boundary difference. It is between, what it is and what it will be. That is the line or land claimed and the line or land held to be claimed. It occurs due to the land claimed has a singularity of its own and the title of it is proved by the acts that involve with the areas as a whole. The limits of the area can easily be identified only when its status is settled. Further, the dispute appears because of the attractiveness of the area or a piece of land, which has an alluring attractive power. But, there

is no such matter with regard to positional dispute and the title to it can be proved by locating the boundary line only. Secondly : Functional Boundary Disputes These arise, when one country believes that it has been adversely and unfairly affected by the functions of a neighbouring country along the boundary, that is, blocking of passage of ships through an area. Thirdly : Resource Development Disputes These disputes are often occurred due to the utilization of resources of the border areas. The most common of it is the problem of sharing of waters of a river flowing from one country to another. Fourthly : Disputes Due To Maps It is a fact that the boundaries are marked on the maps. In case they are not, there may be an effort to use the fact as evidence that no boundary existed. The scale of the map is also important and maps rapidly decline in usefulness as the scale is reduced. However, accuracy of the maps is also very important. The scale, accuracy and the accuracy with which a line is drawn on the map are all important to avoid disputes. Maps are regarded as strong evidence of what they purport to portray. They may be termed and treated as admissions, considered as binding, and said to possess a force of their own. Fifthly : Disputes Due To Changing River Courses In fact, there are several places on the IndiaBangladesh international border, where the international border between the above two countries is taken along the mid-stream of the river. The land that comes up due to change in the course of the river is called River Island (locally known as, Char or Char-land) and this particular char-lands are caused of disputes along the international boundary as it emerges on the side of the territory of either of the country depending upon the direction of the change of the course. The boundary being midstream of the river, a close watch has to be kept on the emergence of these char-lands failing, which claims and counter claims start as the civilians start cultivating this land immediately on its emergence (See details about Char and Char-land in earlier story Saga Of Char Lifeline in Brahmaputra Valley : A STORY OF VANISHING ISLAND IN NORTH-EAST INDIA). In this context in can be mentioned here that apart from above these disputes another new dispute arose between the two countries was New Moore Island or New Talpatty Island, which was claimed by both the countries (like over New Muhury, few years ago) in the Bay of Bengal Sea, where India and Bangladesh shares the international (sea) maritime border. Nevertheless, the aforesaid international border that lies in between India and Bangladesh was never free from dispute, rather this particular international boundary was braided by a lot of disputes, except 05.974-kilometre areas in the above three (Indian States Assam, West Bengal and Tripura) different sectors. However, the said international boundary had not yet been consented and the disputes between above two nations were of various types and of dimensions. MAJOR DISPUTES ALONG INDIA-BANGLADESH INTERNATONAL BORDER
INCONCEIVABLE TRUTH INDIAN PEASANTS PAY TAX BUT BANGLADESHI FARMERS GET OWNERSHIP : SECRET DOSSIER OF LAND DISPUTE BETWEEN INDIA & BANGLADESH

Karimganj is one of the most important district headquarter towns of eastern Indian State, Assam, which lies on the international border between India and Bangladesh. Patharkandi Block area is one of the key Block areas of the said Karimganj district, which also lies on the said international boundary and this is why, this particular Patharkandi Block part is always a significant pointy of discussion; specially, among the inhabitants of 04-numbers of International Border Village (IBV) like Karkhana Pathini (known as : Karkhana Putni-RH-1621), Baro Pathini (known as : Baro Putni-RH-1622), Lathitilla (RH-4727) and Dumabaroi, which is called Dumabari (RH-1725) and a Tea Estate (TE) Pathini TE (known as : Putni TE) or Pathini Tea Garden (known as : Putni Tea Garden-RH2521), which are located in the said international bordering area. The total land area of the aforementioned IBVs is 01,355.160-acres. Apart from this, There are 04-numbers of villages are existed in the Pathini TE. These are Pathini, Shollofut (that is, Sixteen Feet), Champabari, Chengmari and Piplagul, where the above tea garden labourers are lived. But, abovementioned 04-numbers of IBV are not existed within the aforesaid Pathini TE, but have situated adjacent to the said TE. In the year, 1923, Patharia Forest area, which is under Madanpur-Pallathal Tea-Estates, got reorganized as Reserve Forest. Around 04-Hectares land area of this particular forest area was illegally occupied by the Bangladesh and the areas were illegally used by the Bangladeshi nationals for their Paan (that is, Betel or Betel-leaf) cultivation. And this is why, the entire areas of the said Patharia Forest area of Madanpur-Pallathal Tea-Estates was illegally demanded by the Government of Bangladesh. But, Government of India totally denied the same or to hand over the areas, stated the Deputy Commissioner or Deputy Collector or District Collector (DC)s of the Karimganj district. But, the point is that Since the year, 1947, the above 01,355.160-acres of land was always under the constant threat of earlier East Bengal (that is, locally called Purbo Bango or Purbo Bangla, which later renamed as East Pakistan, locally called Purbo Pakistan [of West Pakistan, known as Poshchim Pakistan] of present Pakistan State) and then Bangladesh (that is, after 16th December, 1971) in various ways. Not only that aforementioned 01,355.160-acres (that is, 751-Bigha 38-Katha 20-Lechha) of land, which covers Lathitilla (365-Bigha 14-Katha 15-Lechha) 000.000-acres, Dumabaroi (229-Bigha 00-Katha 00-

Lechha) 126.750-acres, Baro Pathini (119-Bigha 06-Katha 00-Lechha) 767.960-acres and Karkhana Pathini (38Bigha 18-Katha 05-Lechha) 460.450-acres, have fallen in Indian side, while similarly in Bangladesh side, Lathitilla 120.250-acres, Dumabaroi 75.700-acres, Baro Pathini 39.440-acres and Karkhana Pathini 12.870-acres, which comprises about (750-Bigha 19-Katha 04-Lechha) 248.260-acres of land have existed. On the other hand, in Pathini TE areas Pathini TE alone-49.390-acres and Pathini Reserve Forest area09.890-acres (which comprises 05,358.980-acres) of land are existed respectively. These above figures (Indian side, Bangladesh side and Pathini TE) have been mentioned or showed or recorded in the records of Director of Land Record & Survey, Government of Assam State, Indias recent reports, stated the circle officer of Patharkandi Circle Office of Karimganj district, M. A. Lashkar on 27th August, 2011. (See Table-I) In this context, it can be also mentioned here that Earlier according to our records of the Land & Revenue Survey, Government of Assam State, India, since 1947 and 1965 (that is, just before the Indo-Pak War, 1965), the total land areas of Pathini TE under Tea Trading Corporation of India (TTCI) or Tea Trading Corporation of India Limited (TTCIL) was 05,867.369-acres (that is, 02,374.439-hectare), which was one of the Government of India (Ministry of Commerce & Industry)s institution or establishment. It had a vast plot of land and comprising (above noted 04-numbers of IBV, tea-estate and its adjoining reserve-forest areas), related on of the officials of DC office of Karimganj district, who doesnt want to disclose his name. However, the most astonishing and conflicting points were that as per D. M. Group, formerly known as the Mantri Group, Kolkata, West Bengal State, India, The earlier records of the Pathini TE confirmed, the exact total grant area of the Pathini TE was 17,698-Bigha 13-Katha 09-Lechha. But, during the year 1962-1963, when the Government of West Pakistan had illegally occupied or controlled around 438-Bigha 01-Katha 13-Lechha of the said TE, at that time the then manager of the above tea-garden informed the above fact to the then Deputy Commissioner or Deputy Collector or District Collector (DC)s of the then Cachar District (which later divided into four parts of district Cachar, North Cachar Hills, Karimagnaj and Hailakandi) of Indian State, Assam in a written letter dated 11th May, 1967 after visited the entire tea-garden and enquired the matter thoroughly. On the other hand, the records of Tea Board of India (TBI), Licensing Department (List of New Registration of Tea Estate during the period of 01-01-1900 to 30-06-2010) dated 08th September, 2010, showed, the land area of the above Pathini TE is 02,374.439-hectares, which is Grant Area (apart from Grant Area, Applied Area for Plantation 857.200-hectares) and the Registration Number is 2629, dated 06th December, 1976, under Mantri Tea Company Private Limited (as per File Number 182/LC). Not only that the records also indicated that the above tea-garden, once a lush estate on the IndoBangladesh international boundary was sold by its original owner Octavias Steel and Company to the TTCI in the year-1975. After that the Mantri group (which was formed in the year 1948 by Govind Prasad Mantri) acquired the above Pathini TE on 29th August, 2006, in the name of Vijaya Shree TE from TTCI. Earlier it is fact that the said teagarden was deemed owner-less post the partition of India in the year, 1947, and was afterward nationalised and entrusted to the TTCI. The aforesaid tea-garden was amongst the largest grant areas of about 02,374.44-hectares available for tea-cultivation. But, most sorrowful matter is that for more than a decade and a half, from the early 1990s, the above tea-estate was in a state of shocking neglect. Later, the entire infrastructure of the said tea-garden was in a state of devastate at the time of the takeover. Since then, a plantation development program had been undertaken to revitalize and restore the 857.20-hectares, which were originally under tea cultivation.
Table-I

At A Glance

ACTUAL POSITION & FIGURES OF LATHITILLA-DUMABAROI

SERIAL NUMBER

NAME OF THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER VILLAGE (IBV)

FROM INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER (IBPN)

TOTAL LAND AREA (In Acre)

LAND AREA OF INDIAN SIDE (In Acre)

LAND AREA OF BANGLADESH SIDE (In Acre)

FAMILY LIVED & AFFECTED (In Number)

01.

Madanpur Tea Estate (India)-Pallathal Tea Estate (Bangladesh) Area Patharia (under Madanpur) Forest (India)Pallathal Forest (Bangladesh) Area Madanpur-Pallathal Tea Estate Sector

1369/3-S to 1371/6-S 1372 to 1373/3-S 1370/3-S to 1371/6-S & 1372 to 1373/3-S

218.080

159.195

058.885

000

141.930

126.275

015.655

000

Total

360.010

285.470

074.540

000

02.

Promodenagar Tea Estate Sector Lathitilla Dumabaroi Baro Pathini Karkhana Pathini LathitillaDumabaroi Sector Entire MadanpurPallathal Tea Estate, Promodenagar Tea Estate & LathitillaDumabaroi Sectors. Pathini Tea Estate Area Pathini Reserve Forest Area Pathini Tea Estate Sector Entire MadanpurPallathal Tea Estate, Promodenagar Tea Estate, LathitillaDumabaroi & Pathini Tea Estate Sectors.

03. 04. 05. 06.

1375/2-S to 1375/3-S & 1375/5-S to 1375/6-s

165.290

153.560

011.730

000

Total

Total

07. Total

1397 (Point-Y) to 1400/1-RI & 1400/1-RI to 1800/3-RI 1369/3-S to 1400/1-RI & 1400/1-RI to 1800/3-RI

120.250 202.450 807.400 473.320

000.000 126.750 767.960 460.450

120.250 075.700 039.440 012.870

026 040 114 149

01,603.420

01,355.160

248.260

329

02,128.720

01,794.190

334.530

329

05,358.980 1369/3-S to 1400/1-RI & 1400/1-RI to 1800/3-RI

000

Grand Total

07,487.700

000.000

000.000

000

(Note : Here, 01-hectare = 02.47105381-acre and 01-acre = 0.404685642-hectares) Land area of Nayagram is 145.000-acres) (Source : Director of Land Record & Revenue Survey, Government of Assam State, India & Border Security Force of India [BSFI], 2011)

Due to rampant corruption among said tea-garden officials and frequent lockouts announced by the teaestate authority, some members of other laborers families died of starvation. The Pathini tea estate, located along the Indo-Bangla border, had become infamous for increasing number of starvation deaths of its laborers. Around 10numbers to 17-numbers of tea-labour were reported to had died of starvation during the year 1994 to July, 2001. It was not the end of the black days in Pathini Tea Garden (which produces green-tea) more than 01,800-numbers of labourers had virtually been starving since June, 2001, following an indefinite lockout announced by the garden officials, said Rameswar Tanti, a tea laborer in Pathini TE (which was called as garden of death and once a foreign exchange earner and even, received gold medal in 1980s from the Government of India for excellence in quantity and quality of production of tea). Similarly, according to the records of TBI, dated 08th September, 2010, the land area of the above Promodenagar TE is 02,199.237-acres (that is, 890-hectares) (while other sources said-02,140.006-acres, that is, 866.03-hectares), which is Grant Area (apart from Grant Area, Applied Area for Plantation 153.440-hectares) and the Registration Number is 24, dated 22nd June, 1949, under Arunodaya Plantation Limited (as per File Number P-9/LC). However, there is no mention about Madanpur TE, mentioned the officials of the TBI in their documentations. While others sources said that Madanpur TE is 983.998-acres (that is, 398.210-hectares), which is Grant Area (apart from Grant Area, Applied Area for Plantation 159.780-hectares). At A Glance
Table-II

CONTROVERSIAL POSITION & FIGURES OF LATHITILLA-DUMABAROI

SERIAL NUMBER

NAME OF THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER VILLAGE (IBV)

FROM INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER (IBPN)

TOTAL LAND AREA (In Acre)

LAND AREA OF INDIAN SIDE (In Acre)

LAND AREA OF BANGLADESH SIDE (In Acre)

FAMILY LIVED & AFFECTED (In Number)

01.

Madanpur Tea Estate (India)-Pallathal Tea Estate (Bangladesh) Area Patharia (under Madanpur) Forest (India)Pallathal Forest (Bangladesh) Area Madanpur-Pallathal Tea Estate Sector

1369/3-S to 1371/6-S 1372 to 1373/3-S 1370/3-S to 1371/6-S & 1372 to 1373/3-S 1375/2-S to 1375/3-S & 1375/5-S to 1375/6-s

Total

459.010

384.510

074.500

00

02.

Promodenagar Tea Estate Sector Lathitilla Dumabaroi Baro Pathini Karkhana Pathini LathitillaDumabaroi Sector Entire MadanpurPallathal Tea Estate, Promodenagar Tea Estate & LathitillaDumabaroi Sectors Pathini Tea Estate Area Pathini Reserve Forest Area Pathini Tea Estate Sector Entire MadanpurPallathal Tea Estate, Promodenagar Tea Estate, LathitillaDumabaroi & Pathini Tea Estate Sectors.

165.290

153.560

011.730

00

03. 04. 05. 06.

Total

Total

1397 (Point-Y) to 1400/1-RI & 1400/1-RI to 1800/3-RI 1369 to 1400/1-RI & 1400/1-RI to 1800/3-RI

804.000

714.000

090.000

00

01,428.300

01,252.070

176.230

00

07. Total

000.000 1369/3-S to 1400/1-RI & 1400/1-RI to 1800/3-RI

000.000

000.000

00

Grand Total

01,428.300

01,252.070

176.230

000

(Note : Here, 01-hectare = 02.47105381-acre and 01-acre = 0.404685642-hectares) Land area of Nayagram is 145.000-acres) (Source : Government of Assam State, India & Indian National Political Party Congress [Indira], Indian Assam State Unit, 2011)

In this connection, it may be referred here that This particular TE land was purchased from the British Raj, in the name of the then Indian President due to the various geographical causes and to protect the unity and dignity of India. But, the interesting fact is that, it was the only TE, whose owner was the President of India. However, the most unfortunate thing is that one fourth of that aforesaid TE lied under the possession of former East Pakistan and now under Bangladesh administration. It is also fact that above tea-gardens position and situation was very deplorable. Despite above TEs deplorable conditions, lots of peoples of those above 04-numbers of IBV and the only tea-garden, (who have lost their abovementioned 248.260-acres fertile agricultural lands and properties) were working in that above particular tea-garden area to somehow manage or run the family, but couldnt survive properly. Ultimately, in the mean time, so many peoples of labour classes of those IBVs had to pass their days

10

without any payments and few of them died a painful death, mentioned one the officials of the Circle Office of Patharkandi Block of Karimganj district. On 02nd July, 2001, Monilal Goala, a Cha Sramik Union leader (who was the vice-president of the Cachar Cha Sramik Union, shortly say-CCSU of Cachar District) blasted and the tea-labourers of Pathini TE alleged, Most unfortunate and astonishing facts are that the Kolkata-based TTCI, which took charge of the aforesaid tea-garden from Assam Tea Trading Corporation (ATTC) of India, is not much concerned about those tea-labourers of above Pathini TE, who are almost dying. Not only that even, not a single official of the said tea-garden do not bother to give any answer about the reason that why the tea-labourers are dying one after another, can you imagine? Though, the IBPs in the Pallathal TE (which is registered with Bangladesh Tea Board, shortly say, BTB and the member of Bangladesh Tea Association, shortly say, BTA) area in Karimganj district were erected way back in 1962, and the Indian Government abortive to guard or look after the area and that is why, at that time the Bangladeshi citizens managed to intrude upon the above particular area illegally and later Bangladesh Government got a chance to claim that area was under her adverse possession and nothing else, added further another CCSU member. According to the reports of The Daily Star Newspaper of Bangladesh, As per the documents as well as the records of the Directorate of Land Record & Survey, Government of Bangladesh (DLRSGB), Pallathal TE (where around 500-numbers of workers are working on the said tea-garden, who were brought by the English from various parts of the then Undivided India and living in this particular tea-garden for generations, are mostly Hindu community) that falls under (East Shahbazpur Post Office and Barlekha Upazila of Juri Circle) Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh was set up in the year, 1920s, which as Pallathal Division of Hindustan Tea Company Limited. The factory of this TE was set up in the year, 1934. This particular TE divided into 12-numbers of section. Initially, in the late 1920s, the aforesaid TE had set up 04-numbers of sections; these were Number-01, Number-02, Number-03 and Number-04, while later, in early-1930s it was actually followed by another 08-numbers of section; these were Number-05, Number-06, Number-07, Number-08, Number-09, Number-10, Number-11 and Number-12 respectively. The TE was sold to one Kolin Bihari Roy, who ultimately sold the above TE to Pushpa Rani Chowdhury in the year, 1953-1954. Pushpa Rani didnt sow tea saplings or did any tea-plantation in the above revealed Number02, Number-03 and Number-04 sections of the said tea-garden, only because of that the area was fallen under disputed zone or disputed place, with India, which comprised around 360-acres of land. And it was not suitable for producing tea, rather cultivated Paan. Meanwhile, Pushpa Rani Das sold her tea-garden (that is, Pallathal TE) to Riazur Rahman in between the year, 1989-1990. Nevertheless this time, though the owner of the said tea-estate has been producing tea in the above-mentioned sections but never cultivating tea in the above disputed areas. Instead of tea plantation, he has been planting betel leaves, bamboos and rubber trees. Even, the people of Khashia Tribe of Bangladesh produce betel leaf on a portion of the above disputed 360-acres of area. However, the documents and papers showed that the DCs of the then Cachar District (which later divided into four parts of district Cachar, North Cachar Hills, Karimagnaj and Hailakandi) of Indian State, Assam and Undivided Sylhet District (which later divided into four parts of district Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj and Maulvi Bazar) met in the year-1976 and decided that status quo of the above 360-acres of disputed land area would be continued until finalisation of the issue at the aforesaid both the states governments echelon. It can be mentioned here that out of 01,200-acres of total land area of the said tea-garden, 360-acres land comprises Number-02, Number-03 and Number-04 sections (which were leaving out during the erection of IBWBW by the Government of India), while rest of 840-acres of land constitutes Number-01, and Number-05 to Number-12 of the said tea-estate. Indeed, in Lathitilla IBV areas, around 26-numbers of family; in Dumabaroi IBV areas, about 40-numbers of family with Pathini TE; in Karkhana Pathini IBV areas, around 149-numbers of family and in Baro Pathini IBV areas, about 114-numbers of family (which comprises about 329-numbers of family) were directly affected and shifted to Indian side, who had land Patta and had the valid or original documents (with seal and signature of former Settlement Officer of earlier Pratapgarh Mouza, Sylhet Division of East Bengal of 19th September, 1914) of British Government and paid their Khajna (that is, Land Tax) to the exchequers of earlier British Government and after that Indian Assam State Government till the year-2000. And this why, in this matter, Mrinal Kanti Das, the DC of Karimganj district informed to the Indian Assam State Government earlier and mentioned (in his letter Vide Number KPE/113/2010/26, Dated 22nd February, 2010), If the above portions will go to the hand of Bangladesh permanently, then local public of that areas can raise massive hue and cry, and even, if necessary, then they will organize a mass movement against the decision of Government of India that Government of India betrayed them and give the lands without their proper consultations and compensations. We paid tax for our paternal lands and Bangladeshis will enjoy the benefit or get the ownership of our lands. Where does this rule exist? Have you seen anywhere in the world?, questioned the dweller of the LathitillaDumabaroi IBVs, Ramsundar Goala. He further taunted, If we dont pay land tax, then our so-called beloved Indian Assam State Government (IASG) sends us notices or letters that we are Bangladeshi citizen. And this is why, we are bound to pay or given land tax each and every year to the IASG in this matter, even, since British regime.

11

It is fact that IBVs Karkhana Pathini and Baro Pathini are under Indian possession since 15th August, 1947, while on the other hand, it is also true that the district administration of Karimganj district has been collecting land revenue every year from the above 329-numbers of Indian family, who are residing on the said disputed 04numbers hamlet area and a tea-garden, which are lied on the Indo-Bangla international boundary. These IBVs are belong to Bengali-speaking Hindu community, but the land of IBVs Lathitilla and a few portions of Dumabaroi and the above Pathini TE are fallen under the administration of Maulvibazar district of Bangladesh, revealed earlier Karimganj district DC, Joychandra Goswami on 11th December, 2004, according to the records. It was happened due to the British engineer, Sir Cyril Radcliff, who was appointed by Great Britain (that is, United Kingdom, shortly say UK) in June, 1947 at the chair of two Boundary Commissions and drew an unscientific and illogical arbitrary line to divide the above two states. Not only that even, as a result of this, a few members of dispute were also arisen (in some portions of the above 04-numbers of IBV and a tea-garden area) between the two neighbouring nations, unnecessarily. Apart from these, earlier East-Pakistan and present Bangladesh were also forcibly occupied or illegally possessed a few portions of the said 04-numbers of IBV and a teagarden. And as a result of this, the inhabitants of that India IBVs thought that they had ultimately lost their lands in the hands of earlier East Pakistan and now Bangladesh. Kisun Chauhan, Jagabandhan Kanu, Ganga Bisun Kanu, Parbati Bhar, Manilal Bhar, Murli Raj Bhar, Ram Kusum Kairi, Jaihind Kairi, Janardan Prasad Kairi, Hiralal Goala, Shangram Goala, Sibpujan Goala, Jayprasad Goala, Bidyapati Upadhayay, Nagendra Kumar Das, Ram Sundar Goala and others (Jayananda Goala, Satya Narayan Goala, Shankar Chauhan, Anowar Hussain, etcetera), who have Jomir Dolil (that is, permanent Land Deed or Land Record)s, Jomir Khajnar Roshid (that is, Counter Receipt of Land Tax) and controlled over aforesaid 04numbers of IBV (including Lathitilla and a few portions of Dumabaroi IBVs)s and (so-called disputed) tea-estate are still depositing their land-revenue of these IBVs to the exchequer of the Indian Assam State Government, as per Land Revenue Act (LRA) system of India and this has been going on since pre-independence period. These above our beloved peoples of the aforesaid 04-numbers of IBV and a TE have possessed or have paternal lands and landed properties in their above respective 04-numbers of hamlet and in this context they have each and every related valid documents, which had given by the earlier British Raj and later by the Indian Government; but surprisingly, despite unwillingness, now they have to go forcibly to Bangladesh. Can you imagine, have you seen anywhere in the world?, questioned Nilotpal Das, local leader of the Indian nationalist political party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, Government of India in various occasions raised those illegal occupation and illegal activities of earlier East Pakistan Government of Pakistan and now Bangladesh Government. But, nothing happened at last. On 1oth June, 2001, the Indian Home Ministry officials pointed out, Look, when we asked our counterpart Bangladesh, in this perspective (that is, for illegal possession and their illegal activities), at that point, they simply avoided it. But, when we further raised the issue and asked for specific revenue documents (next time) on that basis they were illegally occupied the Indian lands; at that time, Bangladesh officials replied, we do not have it. It must be with your respective department of Director of Land & Revenue Survey, Government of India. Even, when we offered to have a joint survey for the above disputed areas conducted by a third party, at that juncture, it was stonewalled on the excuse that there was no such clause or condition in the accord of India Bangladesh Land Border Agreement, 16th May, 1974. Meanwhile, during the year, 1987-1988, when Indian Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in first phase, Indian National Building Construction Corporation Limited (NBCCL) in second phase during the year 2005 and Indian National Project Construction Corporation Limited (NPCCL) in third phase during the year 2008 started to build International Barbed Wire Border Fence (IBWBF) along the said international boundary areas in the entire Kaimganj district. At that time, in that particular sector Lathitilla and Dumabaroi (in the year 2008), the officials of the said company faced tremendous wrath of the peoples of above 04-numbers of IBV, which ultimately compelled the company to build the IBWBF on the said sector after left the abovementioned so-called disputed areas or portions or keeping the abovementioned 04-numbers of IBV and the only TE area, which is around 02.874kilometres (that is, around 03-kilometres) open. Practically, the bone of contention between the two states in this Lathitilla and Dumabaroi sector is IBVs-Lathitilla and Dumabaroi (but, a few portions, which is called Tilla area, means small mound or hillock) area (that is situated western side and the place is without any human habitation) as well as the above Pathini-TE. And Bangladesh exactly illegally occupied this particular portion or side. Look, before and after 1950s, there were lots of fierce clashes had been occurred in this particular abovenoted o4-numbers of IBV. Even, during Liberation War, of 1971, there was a another fiery fight held between the numbers of Mukti Bahini (that is, Liberation Force) cadres and the soldiers of East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) of Pakistan, which was later renamed after creation of Bangladesh nation as Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and presently known as Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB), at this particular point, conceded the local peoples of Karimganj district. It can be noted here that as per BGB records are concerned, The Border Guards of Bangladesh or Border Guard Bangladesh, shortly say-BGB, actually earlier, that is, in the year, 1795, it was known as Frontier Protection Force (FPF) under East Indian Company (British Rule), after that it was again renamed as Ramgarh Local Battalion (RLB). Then in the year 1861, this frontier border guard renamed as Frontier Guards (FG), after

12

that in 1891, it was again renamed as Bengal Military Police (BMP). Not only that this force again renamed as Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) in 1920, then in 1947 it was renamed as East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) under East Pakistan of Pakistan State, and after creation of Bangladesh nation in 16thh December, 1971, it was again renamed as Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) in 1972, and again on 23rd January, 2011, it was renamed as Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB). In 1958, the Pakistan Security Force (PSF) EPR first opened fire upon the peoples of the Mokamtilla (under Patharkandi Block) areas, which is near the said IBVs (that is, in and around Lathitilla and Dumabaroi areas). In this context, in the same year (that is 1958), there were several questions arisen about the incident in the floor of the Indian Parliament (IP), but unfortunately, the reply (or speech) of the then Prime Minister of India (PMI), Late Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru was worthy of being remembered. The astonishing opinion passed or answering the questions by Late P. J. Nehru on the context of above fierce incident was Those aforementioned 04-numbers of village and a tea-estate (especially, Lathitilla and Dumbabari hamlets) are belonged to East Pakistan of Pakistan. There is no doubt about that and the peoples of those villages are belonged to Muslim community and few Hindu families. Therefore, there is no need to inclusion of the said villages within India. Left these villages .. However, we occupied those 04-numbers of village and a tea-estate, because, Pakistan had kept occupied our some portions or Indian territory. Now we have arrived at an agreement (that is, mentioned about the agreement of the 11th September, 1958, between the PMI, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru and the Prime Minister of Pakistan [PMP], Firoze Khan Noon) and will handover those aforementioned 04-numbers of village (including, Lathitilla and Dumabaroi hamlets) with a tea-estate (which is called Bananchal) to Pakistan .., disclosed Mrinal Dasgupta on 08th April, 1999 and later his son Ashish Dasgupta admitted the facts too and said the above similar thing on 05th September, 2011, who heard entire episodes of the aforesaid incident from the mouth of his late father. Supporting the fact, 68-years-old Sibaprasad Tiwari, who is the inhabitant of IBV-Chhoto Pathini (known as : Chhoto Putni) lamented, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru delivered or gave a baseless and fact-less speech in the floor of IP. Which he actually called Bananchal (that is, forest lands) area is indeed, or actually Lokanchal (that is, human habitations) area. From, where he obtained those facts and figures or how he delivered an irresponsible speech on the said context, is still unknown or mysterious to us. While on the other hand, according to the writer, Avtar Singh Bhasin, who wrote in his book (IndiaBangladesh Relations 1917-1994), Pundit Nehru delivered a negating statement about the said areas, In regard to exchange of small territories, we do not want to further migration from that place, as far as possible and it is better for the populaces of that areas to live there permanently and accept or adopt the country, to which they will now belong to (means earlier East Pakistan and now, Bangladesh), it is our advise to the people of that areas ... At that time, that opinion instantaneously enraged the Patharkandi Constituencys Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Indian Assam State Assembly, Gopesh Namasudra, respective citizens of the said Patharkandi areas Mrinal Dasgupta, Sarbananda Namasudra and others, who had later filed a case in the honourable Supreme Court of India (SCI) against the opinion of PM of India, Pundit J. Nehru, in the same year later. In SCI, on behalf of petitioners, the question was raised or asked by Barrister Sadhan Gupto and M. K. Ramamurthy. In this context it can be also noted here that in the year-1958, the Indian former PM, P. J. Nehru gave above that answer after raised questions on the said burning issue by the Member of Parliament (MP)s of IP Mohammad Elias and the S. M. Banerjee, respectively. At that time, Mohammad Elias was a candidate of Communist Party of India (National), shortly says, CPIN and was represented for the Parliamentary Constituency [PC] Howrah (District) of the Indian State, West Bengal (WB), while S. M. Banerjee was a Independent Candidate) of Kanpur (District) PC of the Indian State, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Both the said two candidates had won the Indian Parliamentary Election, in the year, 1957. But, nothing had been happened, everything turned fruitless, stated 45years-old Tapodhir Kumar Deshmukh and 49-years-old Gautam Deshmukh, who are the sons of Gopesh Namasudra of Patharkandi. Not only that to solve the problem and the situation of the said 04-numbers of village and a tea-estate between the two states, the others local respective peoples of Karimganj district Rathin Sen, Ranendra Mohan Das and others later so many times went to the offices of Indian Union Home Ministry and Indian Union External Ministry at the capital of India, New Delhi, but no concrete solution came out. Even though, in the agreement of the 11th September, 1958, which was held between the PMI and the Prime Minister of Pakistan (PMP), Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru and Firoze Khan Noon, there were mentioned of those 04-numbers of hamlet and a tea-estate, which later on protested by the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Janashangha, but ultimately nothing resolved or sorted out between the above two nations in this regards. In fact, at that time, Bimala Prasad Chaliha was the Chief Minister (CM) of the Indian State, Assam. When Indian Central Government, shortly say ICG (that is, Indian Union Home Minsitry Govind Ballabh Pant and the PM of India Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru) asked about the ground situation of the said 04-numbers of hamlet (including IBVs Lathitilla and Dumabaroi) and a tea-garden, the aforesaid CM replied that situation of the aforesaid hamlets was quite normal, everything was fine and there was no dispute between the two sides. Even, he never helped the above 04-numbers of Indian village and a tea-garden and their peoples at that time. In a word, he

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misled and gave wrong information to the ICG, blamed the former MLA, Gopesh Namasudra of aforesaid Patharkandi Constituency on 11th April, 1999. According to Nagendra Kumar Das, The above revealed ugly attack of the PSF was mainly launched fullfledged in the year 1959, when the International Border Pillar (IBP) of the India-Bangladesh International Border was started to construct for demarcating the aforesaid international boundary-line between India and Bangladesh for the first time. It was decided that the Police Station (PS) Kulaura, which is presently under Maulvibazar district (that is, the then Hingajia of East Pakistan State) of Bangladesh and the Patharkandi PS, which is now under Karimganj district (that is, former Srihatta District of Undivided India and then Undivided Cachar District of Independent India) of the Indian State Assam, would be the international borderline between the two states India and Pakistan. As per the plan or scheme, it was also decided that the international boundary-line would be demarcated or made in such a way that the Patharkandi PS would lie in the eastern side, Kulaura and Barlekha PSs (presently under Maulvibazar district of Sylhet Division of Bangladesh), Beani Bazar (presently Sylhet district of Bangladesh) would lie in western side, while from Thal Gung (means rivulet or small-river, which comes or flows from North Tripura district of Indian State, Tripura and crosses the Karkhana Pathini village and has entered into Bangladesh, that lies just near the IBPN-1800) to northern side, as an international border. Actually the root cause of the entire confrontation between the two neighbouring states had been existed since 1959-1960, when it was found that the iron made number plate of IBPs (which were fixed on the foot of the of IBPs that erected on Indo-Pak [presently, Bangladesh] international boundary to demarcate the aforesaid international border between the above two nations properly), were either wrong or misleading or confusing. For an instance the IBPN-1396 that stood at Piplagul-Champabari IBVs of Karimganj district. In Indian side, the number plate engraved/marked as IBPN-1396, while on the Pakistan (that is, Bangladesh) side it was seen IBPN-1395. That means there were vast differences during marking the IBPs, which are still existed and this is why, the problem between two states still existed. But, why it happened, whether it is intentional or unintentional or whimsical, nobody knows. Similarly, it existed also in IBPN-1392, IBPN-1393, IBPN-1394, IBPN-1396, IBPN-1397, respectively. Apart from this, another cause of confrontation is that to demarcate the international boundary between the two nations of the said area (that is, from Pathini Chhara [locally known as Putni Chhara] Nullah [means : someone called canal or channel, while someone called rivulet] to above revealed Thal rivulet). The IBPs (which were also erected at that period on the said areas, are now situated just near the bank of the Thal rivulet) were also disputed. However, on the other hand, according to the records of the Indian Home Ministry, Government of India, M. C. Chagla gave a statement of Lower House of Indian Parliament (IP), that is, Rajya Sabha, that East Pakistan of Pakistan had virtually illegally occupied (a portion, that is, hillock areas of the) Dumabaroi village in the year 1952. While on the other side, the others records claimed, actually, the daily incursions and firing had been taken place in this particular sector since 1962. Though, in February, 1962, the villagers of the said IBVs Lathitilla and Dumabaroi were found that the EPR soldiers of Pakistan patrolled the areas suspiciously periodically. It had ultimately come to notice, when in November, 1962, Pakistan illegally occupied or seized IBVLathitilla and (a portion, that is, hillock areas of the) DumabaroiIBV in July, 1963. It was estimated that Pakistan illegally tried to grab entire lands of the above 04-numbers of Indian IBV and a TE (including another IBV Chhoto Pathini, which locally called-Chhoto Putni). While a section of scholars in this connection referred, Lathitilla-(a portion, that is, hillock areas of the) Dumabaroi hamlets went under East Pakistan during India-Pakistan War, 1965 and since then it was their possession, presently, Bangladesh and termed as a disputed territory. Not only that presently, as per officials records of Indian Assam State Home Ministry department, the present BGB camp at Lathitilla-Dumabaroi area was once used by International Border Armed Force (IBAF), that is, Indian Army legally and belonging to India as well as the adjoining Pathini Reserve Forest areas also. But, this so-called base-camp at last came under EPR of Pakistans control after the Indo-Pak War, 1965. Even if at that time Government of India was urged the Government of East Pakistan state of Pakistan to give back the said camp or disputed territory to India, but, Pakistan didnt pay any heed to Indias repeated requests. In due course, Government of Bangladesh also followed similar path or took similar stand on the aforesaid subject, as Indias appeal to hand over the so-called disputed area or encampment area had all along fallen on deaf ears. In the year 1963, in Lathitilla area, there was again a fierce incident happened between both sides. After that EPR jawans had not only harassed the people of above-04-numbers of IBV and the tea-garden of India but also carried on inhuman, oppression upon them. This frightened them in such a way that they had to leave their houses and took shelter beside Indian International Border Armed Force (IIBAF) camps. This came to light from the opinion of Satyendra Nath Das. Because, the EPR soldiers had at first picked up Satyendra Nath Das from his house and then beaten black and blue till he in fell senseless (because, he was vocal against East Pakistan, accused by EPR). This was happened on 31st October, 1963. After that the EPR targeted the denizen of Karkhana Pathini village, Nagendra Das, but he was out of their (that is, EPR) reach, because, Nagendra Das stayed most of the time at IBAF camp to save himself from the hand of EPR.

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All these were done under Company Commandant of EPR Force, Hayat Khan, who later on became a frightful figure among the residents of Lathitilla, Dumabaroi, Baro Pathini, Karkhana Pathini, (including Chhoto Pathini, known as : Chhoto Putni), which are now under Patharkandi Block under Karimganj district of Indian side, emphasized the villager Satyendra Nath Das, the resident of Dumabaroi village, who is now around 90-plus. He further stated, It was alleged that EPR force took the opportunity of oppressing to the Indian people continuously and tremendously of those areas, because of the apathetic attitudes of Company (that is, Battalion) in Charge or Circle Inspector (C.I.) of Lathitilla IIBAF camp, Prabhu Singh. The reason behind of our above IBAF officer or C.I. was either his illegal relationship with EPR officers daughter or a lady, who was one of the relatives of the aforesaid EPR officer. As a result of this, he always went to visit the Hayat Khan led EPRs International Border Out Post (IBOP) and received various gifts (like breakfast, lunch, dinner, etcetera) in various occasions. But, most interesting fact is that, when our BSFI C.I. went to visit the EPR camp after invitation or without invitation, at that time EPR came to the above 04-numbers of village and a tea-garden and tortured the Indian citizens mercilessly (from not only child to old one but also girl children to women). Even, in the same year (that is, 1963), there was a discussion between both sides frontier border security forces in brigadier level at Tamabil, the IBV of Sylhet district of Bangladesh over this disputed 01,603.420-acres (648.881-hectare) of land that lies on Indo-Bangla international boundary. It was decided that both the sides would maintain Land of Standstill keeping themselves 137-metre (that is, 150-yard)s away from Pathini TE, as a temporary international boundary, till the dispute on the said international borderland between the two nations were brought to an end or over. During discussion, at the time, Brigadier Ghashiram was represented on behalf of IIBAF. According to the above agreement, IIBAF gave due honour to that discussion and shifted their IBOP or camp towards 137-metres Indian side, while East Pakistan and later Bangladesh failed to do it. Even, Bangladesh frontier border force-BGB had been pursuing the previous policy of East Pakistan like threat, oppression and repression on the residents of above-04-numbers of IBV and the tea-garden and even, compelled the aforesaid IBV majority (that is, Hindu) community people to leave their land and captured their homeland by force, later, briefed one of the IIBAF officials, who came to know from the records as well as from the local senior citizens of the said IBV areas and the tea-estate. In this context, it can also be pointed out here that the Indian minority pro-Pakistan (Muslim) community supporters of the said 04-numbers of above-noted village and a tea-estate were supporting the illegal activities of EPR soldiers time-to-time and tortured on the Indian peoples, who are belonged to Hindu community (Nath-cast) peoples. Seeing this, ultimately the above numbers of said IBV family of the Indian community became disheartened and had compelled to leave the place or their hamlets. I can also remember or be referred here that at that time, that is, on 01st November, 1963, the above pro-Pakistan supporters Muslim community peoples of our Lathitilla village even, hoisted the Pakistani National Flag (PNF). And if anyone of our people wanted to resist or stop that, he or she was brutally tortured by the said community peoples. Even, most of the time also they did it in various occasions, disclosed one of the friend of Sangram Goala (who presently expired), on 10th April, 1999. Actually, it is fact that a section of peoples of former Eastern Pakistan, who generally supported Pakistan, betrayed the Mukti Bahini guerillas, who wanted to liberate their land from the cruel clutches of Pakistan. But, on that day (01st November, 1963), when Pakistani supporters of the said Lathitilla hamlet hoisted the PNF, (hearing these) the higher officials of Masimpur (village under Cachar District of the Eastern Indian State, Assam) Indian Army cantonment rushed to the spot to enquire into the matter and then held a serious meeting and after that made a detailed report on the said incident and subsequently, sent the report or informed to higher officials at the headquarter, New Delhi, the capital of India. The meeting was held between, Major S. K. Chowdhury, Company Commandant-S. K. Chauhan and Company Commandant of Kukital IBV camp (under Karimganj district), Chikan Baruah of the Indian armed forces. In the meantime, the situation turned became tensed and volatile and in presence of the above three officers of Indian armed forces, a cross firing was took place again between the aforesaid two forces IIBAF and the EPR of the above two nations, in the Lathitilla areas. But, when the situation was became grave, one of the Indian IBAF Nepali soldier dig a big bunker with his ethnic weapon Khukri and helped to save the lives of the IIBAF soldiers, on which he was rewarded or received Presidential Award later by the Government of India for his work. Local peoples of that area still remember the above Sepoy (that is, soldier) of the IIBAF-Indian Army and his brave work, revealed Ramsundar Goala, who is the denizen of IBV near Lathitilla-Dumabaroi. In this context, it can be mentioned here that about the Lathitilla village, one of the website (which is a snapshot of the page as it appeared on 07th March, 2011 in Bangladesh) claimed, It is true that with the help of a section of East Pakistan supported peoples, Pakistan Army soldiers captured the Lathitilla village area and hoisted the PNF. But, the people (who were supported the Liberation Force)s of Lathitilla tried to defend their homeland were oppressed inhumanly by the Pakistani people as well as the above Pakistani soldiers. During that incident, to save their lives, the resident (around 92-number)s of the abovementioned IBVs Lathitilla and Dumabaroi fled away and took shelter in the various adjacent areas of the Patharkandi Block of Karimganj district like Chandkhira Railway Station, others (about 49-numbers) to Kailaghat area and 30numbers to 40-numbers of populace shifted in Medli village. Thereafter, these peoples scattered in different places in and around of that region for better food, cloth and shelter. But, they received neither any kind of help from the Indian State Government nor from the Central Government of India whatsoever.

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In the year, 1963, being oppressed by the Pakistanis, the owners of these plots of land came to Indian side with a view to living a secured life. The land owners thought that in course of time they would be able to recover those plots of their lands, which was possessed by Pakistan. But, in vain, ultimately later they got dispersed and separated from one to other in search of livelihood. As a result, these unfortunate land owners had to pass their in utter distress. Some of them were forced to live on public charity or alms, lamented Nonagenarian Bidyadhar Tripathi, who is the inhabitant of Akaidam hamlet, which is situated near Lathitilla and Dumabaroi villages. On the other side, in the year, 1964, according to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India records were concerned, It is fact that after the deployment of heavily armed EPR forces of Pakistan from 01st week of December, 1964, the situation of the above area ultimately turned into a fierce conflict between the aforesaid two states (on 11th December, 1964). The aforesaid EPR soldiers started firing at 22:00 pm towards the Indian villages Lathitilla and Dumabaroi (on 11th December, 1964) without any provocation. Seeing this, Indian Armys International Border Patrol Group (IBPG) or International Border Patrol Force (IBPF) returned to fire towards the Pakistani EPR soldiers. The fierce clash between the two frontier guard soldiers continued sporadically all throughout the day. In this incident, an IBPGI jawan (that is, Soldier) was injured. It is factual (who received this particular information about the said incident from the office of the DC, Karimganj District) that there was an exchange of fire in the year 1965, between the EPR and the IBPG soldiers and as a result of this, 03-numbers of IBPG jawan were killed. In a nutshell, I may say, since 1958, the East Pakistan fired upon Indian villagers without any provocations or without any causes, pointed out local journalist Ajoy Sutradhar, who lives at Patharkandi Block of Karimganj district. We heard that during the war of 1965, between India and Pakistan, around 25-numbers to 27-numbers of Indian Army soldiers were lost their lives or had given their lives in the hands of Pakistan Army or say, became martyrs to save our territory from the clutches of foreign hands (means-Pakistan) or aggressions. Not only that even since then, 08-number section of Pathini Tea Estate had gone under the (illegally) occupation of Pakistan Army, narrated farmer of Lathitilla-Dumabaroi IBVs, Rajesh Goala. While remembering the similar words about the said incidents from the mouth of his father, another farmer of Lathitilla-Dumabaroi IBVs, Bolen Bharadwaj briefed, Even, our one of the beloved cultivator Shankar Goala was shot dead by the EPR (of Pakistan) soldiers. Indeed, at that time, the situation turned so serious, when the Government of India didnt pay any heed to it properly or didnt take it seriously; the above 04-numbers of village people (including the tea-estate) with the help of others had compelled to inform the J. N. Chaudhury, the then Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Infantry Regiment via telegraph/telegram (that is, through a wireless message) and had given entire report of the ground situation and reality. Not only that the peoples of the said IBVs even, had to beg interference from J. N. Chaudhury under the guidance of Nagendra Kumar Das. Hearing and seeing the situation, J. N. Chaudhury also responded to it immediately (even after collected inputs from the various Indian Government Intelligence Agencies and civil information) and deputed 08,000-numbers of Indian Army soldier to bring the situation under Indian control. But, to do that the Indian soldiers had to fight against the invading Pakistani force in which 03-numbers of the Indian army men had to lay their life. Till the situation under control, Indian Army was stayed there around one month on the said 04-numbers of IBVs and the aforesaid tea-garden areas, expressed the peoples of the above IBVs and the TE. However, The most awful thing was that, when Indian Army took into their possession and left the place after some time, it put Nagendra Kumar Das into an awakened position. Because, to kill him and his family members, PSF EPR soldiers vehemently threatened him and his family members severely. As a result of this, he had compelled to leave his house and took shelter in nearby Indian Army camp, divulged one of the relative of the Nagendra Kumar Das of the aforesaid IBV. According to the datas of the of the Indian Assam State Police Force (IASPF) department are concern, though, at that time, there was a ceasefire between the aforesaid East Pakistan of Pakistan and India, which had effected on 29th March, 1965, but, when India repeatedly offered of no war pact to Pakistan (at that time), the Pakistan refused to accept the same. Ultimately it was broken during the fierce encounter incidents had been started in that particular sector again in February, 1966, and later in once again occurred in March, 1966. After break of a month, the East Pakistan again started unprovoked firing in these areas, revealed one of the intelligence officials of the IASPF department. There was a fierce incident took place at Lathitilla IBOPon 18th June, 1971 between India and East Pakistan. After getting proper instruction from Indian Army (Regiment of Rajputna Rifles) commanding officer Colonel Deb Sen, the liberation force under the leadership of Captain Rob with the help of his Mukti Bahini activists and the above Indian Army soldiers attacked the Lathitilla IBOP at early morning by hurled grenades and shelling from the artillery. Though, Pakistan army battalion EPR started counter attack by firing immediately towards the Indian Army soldiers and the jawans of the Liberation Force (LF), but couldnt succeed. As a result of this, once Habildar (that is, a post or rank of Indian Army as well as the Pakistan Army) and a Sepoy of 22 Number Baloch Regiment, which is an infantry regiment of Pakistan Army, caught red-handed in the hands of LFs soldiers. But, 04numbers of jawans of Mukti Bahini (MB) were also injured in this clash and Lathitilla IBOP came under the control of MB.

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Although, extensive guerilla actions occurred in this particular entire Lathitilla-Dumabari sector in the months of June, July and August of 1971. Meanwhile, MB guerilla fighters and subsequently by the month of August, 1971, extensively or heavy Indian Regular Army (more than thousands) merely deployed or increased in the subsector Boropunji. But, most unfortunate and most astonishing fact is that at that juncture, major portions of the local populaces of Lathitilla worked together with the EPR not only to catch the more and more fighters of MB, Indian Army soldiers and Indian and Bangladeshi followers but also to capture or get control over Indian IBOPs. Even, for this, the peoples EPR supporters tied tin-canes, with the tree branches and began beating the canes to generate or make sounds the moment MB guerilla fighters entered into the aforesaid villages. Moreover, with a view to catch the freedom fighters of Bangladesh, the villagers (who were the hardcore followers of the EPR of Pakistan) arranged special Ajan (that is, call to prayer or Muezzins summons to prayer in a mosque) or Namaj (that is, prayer call for god or worship of god) and delivered the same vociferously from numbers of Mashjid (that is, Mosque)s, when the activists of liberation force of Bangladesh entered into their hamlets. Actually, these methods resulted to detain of a huge number of LFs by the EPR. However, under the leadership of Captain Shariful Haque alias Dalim, who was the in charge of Sub-sector IBOP-Kukital carried on attacks vehemently on EPR of Pakistan, which ultimately resulted huge damage of IBOP of Pakistan of the said area Juri and Dikhush in the mid July, 1971 and at last, by August, 1971, Amasid, Kabala, Lubachhara, Mokamtilla, Nou-nouja, came under the full control of LF of Bangladesh, claimed the website bangladeshnews.com. Meanwhile, after 15-months of the Agreement signed between the then PMI, Mrs. Indira Gandhi and the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh (PMB), Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 16th May, 1974, the father of nation of Bangladesh, popularly known as Bango Bandhu (means Friend of Bengal), Sheikh Mujibar Rahaman, with his children (except daughters Sheikh Hasina Wazed and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, who were on a goodwill tour or visiting at that time in Europe continent [specially at the capital of former West Germany State, Bonn], with Hasinas husband, Late M. A. Wazed Mianh, a nuclear scientist-cum-researcher at a laboratory), were virtually assassinated by Bangladesh Military coup, led by Major General Khaled Mosharraf and his associates. Later, after overthrew the government, imposed Martial Law (that is, Military dominated civilian regime). On 03rd November, 1975, though he was also himself killed in a counter military coup just after 04-days later 07th November, 1975, which installed General Zia-ur-Rahaman of Bangladesh Army in power, pointed out octogenarian Nishit Ranjan Das, who lives in district headquarter town, Karimganj. But, as per the agreement, the new Government of Bangladesh already erected many numbers of IBP) for demarcating the international boundary-line (between the two nations) to honour the agreement. Of them, some IBPs were erected in the abovementioned disrupted 04-numbers of IBV and the tea-estate as well. While on the other hand, the Bangladeshi peoples already not only built their houses in the No-Mans Land that situated in between India-Bangladesh international border but also carried out their cultivation works, etcetera relentlessly. In Bangladesh side, the IBV-Lathitilla is now situated under the Kulaura Upazilla of Maulvibazar district. Land of Pathini TE is a part of Lathitilla and Dumabaroi hamlets. But, while making of boundary, which had been fixed in the year, 1966, was being treated (or continued) as status quo. Because, the aforesaid land was under control (administrative) of Bangladesh. Indeed, the said plots of land were possessed and used by the inhabitants of Bangladesh. However, most mysterious thing is that it happened during the Partition (that is, in 1947), when Sir Cyril Radcliff did it by a single stoke of his pen and as a result, that abovementioned areas (specially, Lathitilla and the hilly part of Dumabaroi IBVs) had gone in the possession of East Pakistan permanently and created dispute between the above two nations respectively. Those possessed lands or territories were 04-numbers IBV, which were represented as hamlets (namely Lathitilla, Dumabaroi, Baro Pathini and Karkhana Pathini with a Tea Garden Pathini) and the lands of the abovementioned IBVs were also categorize as Under Adverse Possession of Bangladesh. Since then the landlords of these so-called enclaves had been persuading both the Indian Central and Provincial Governments, including Indian Home Minister, Governor of North East Indian State, Assam, Assam Accord Department, Indian Assam State Home Commissioner, Secretary of Axom Chukti Rupayan Bibhag (that is, Implementation of Assam Accord Department), Indian Assam State Government and all Indian state (regional), national political parties etcetera to restore the above Lathitilla and the hilly part of Dumabaroi IBVs within India; but in vain.

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(Sketch : Border Security Force of India [BSFI], 1999)

It is fact that few days ago above in that particular 02.874-kilometres (that is, around o3-kilometre) stretch of international land border areas in Lathitilla-Dumabaroi sector, which has fallen in between the IBPN1397 (Point-Y) to IBPN1400/1-RI, hadnt been properly demarcated and rectified and as a result of that presence of huge gathering made by the land owners of the above IBVs or dwellers of both sides (whose paternal lands had fallen into each others territory) time-to-time), with a view to rescue. Subsequently, even, dispute and bitterness between the aforesaid two nations had also been seen since 1947. The reasons were the differences regarding the map representation, proper documents of both side as well as the text of Radcliff Award, 1947 and that is why, that particular Indian piece of land tagged as under adverse possession of Bangladesh, uttered Indian defence experts. Listen, the disputed territory at the IBV LathitillaDumabaroi under Patharkandi Block (in Lathitilla sector) of Karimganj district is exactly, 02.874-kilometre, said former Joint secretary (Northeast India) of Indian Union Home Ministry, G. K. Pillai. As per map Sheet Number-83/D/2 first addition, the first survey in this context was carried out in 1909. Subsequently other survey was also carried out during India-Pakistan Partition in the year 1947. The plain areas of Pakistan portion of this above revealed sheet had been generally corrected from air photographs on 01.60-inches to a mile scale had taken by Messer Air Survey Company Limited, London during February, 1952 and verified on the ground in 1957 to 1958. The international border between India and Pakistan except the exactly part, south of IBPN1397 had been demarcated but strip maps showed the above international border had been signed by the plenipotentiary of both the above-noted governments. The un-demarcated section of the said international border had been entered in accordance with the best information at present available and its alignment of this above sheet

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hadnt been surveyed or examined and is not authoritative or reliable. The different type of international boundary pillars with their numbers of this above sheet area showed thus : Main International Border Pillar with Number --IBPN-1391 Subsidiary International Border Pillar with Number --IBPN-1394/6-s On the other hand, during the joint international border meeting on 08th February, 1966, between sector commanders of the East Pakistan of Pakistan and India, it had been decided that a military working border would be created in this particular stretch and as per aforesaid military working international boundary records was concerned a straight-line was drawn from IBPN-1397 (Point-Y) to the middle of Pathini Chhara iron-bridge (which is situated just on Pathini Chhara Nullah and in between the IBVs Lathitilla and Baro Pathini under Dumabaroi Mouza) and then along the midstream of Pathini-Chhara Nullah to Thal Gung Nullah (GR-452210, that is, near IBPN-1800/3-RI). While on the other hand, as per Indo-Bangla Pact, 1974, reference IBPNs had been raised from Pathini Chhara iron-bridge (on Pathini Chhara Nullah) to triangular international border (that is, tri-junction of Bangladesh and Indian States Assam and Tripura), near IBPN-1800/3-RI and above Dumabari Mouza was come to India including that part, which was under the control of earlier East Pakistan and now Bangladesh, as per earlier decision on the above 08th February, 1966. But, the interesting and the astonishing facts were that (recently) both side decided almost similar international boundary of 08th February, 1966, which was settled on or fixed on by the then military department of East Pakistan of Pakistan and the India as well. The present working international boundary runs in a straight line from point Y/IBPN-1397 to (above revealed iron-bridge) IBPN1400/1-RI and from IBPN1400/1-RI to (tri-junction point of Bangladesh and Indian States Assam and Tripura) RP 1800/3-RI, respectively. However, no IBPN had been erected between IBPN-1397 and IBPN-1400/1-RI, disclosed the intelligence sources of BSFI (See Sketch). This was become one kind of enduring type of disagreement between the above two nations, which couldnt be solved by the interference of the concerned authorities of both the sides. Because, the real fact was that the Director of Land Record & Survey of Assam State Government (of India) has been persisting to accept the original Cadastral Map of (the hamlet Dumabaroi) 1915-1916 as the basis of demarcation. Because, as per Cadastral Map of 1915 1923, these above areas (including aforesaid o4-numbers of IBVs and the 03-numbers of Tea Estates like Pathini Tea-Estate, Madanpur Tea-Estate and Promod Nagar Tea-Estate) were under the administration and occupation of Indian State. And that is why; the Director General of Land Record & Survey of Bangladesh was not ready to accept it but insisted for the Theodolite Traverse Data (especially for the international border hamlets Lathitilla and Dumabaroi) as the basis for demarcating the above disputed parts. Ultimately, the issue imparted to the above respective government of the aforesaid two states and the both states had later decided to set up an international boundary working teams to complete the work of demarcation. Though, in this context, the Government of India accordingly already proposed the terms of reference for the teams, but the reply of the Government of Bangladesh was waited. It can be said here that according to the scientists and wikipedia , Theodolite is a precision instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes, which is mainly used for surveying applications and have been adapted for specialised purposes in fields like meteorology as well as the rocket launching technology, but here it is used for only meteorology purposes. On the other hand, Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks, which is also used in geodesy. Traverse networks involved placing survey stations along a line or path of travel and then using the previously surveyed points as a base for observing the next point. This international boundary dispute over this particular area thus continued for three to four decades without any positive result but hoped to somehow recover that occupied plots of land, which were gone out of hands of the aforesaid residents of the said IBVs and the tea-estate. This seemed that the Government of India had agreed to that condition without any resistance. But, the inhabitants of those IBVs still think of it and have been trying their best to pursue the Indian Assam State and the Central Governments to look into the case seriously. All these had been done by those landlords. Already in this matter, ex-MLA, Gopesh Namasudra and Manilal Goala appealed to the Assam State and the Central Governments of India to recover the 02-numbers of IBVs with the portions of the tea-garden from the hands of Bangladesh. Not only that in the year, 1988, Sukhendu Shekhar Dutta (who won the MLA seat of the Patharkandi Constituency during the period of Indian Assam State Assembly Election in 1996-2001) also sent a petition to the office of the Indian Foreign Secretary with the prayer that it should discussed the matter with Government of Bangladesh regarding the above plots of land had given to Bangladesh as per the pacts of Jawaharlal Nehru & Firoze Khan Noon Act, 11th September, 1958 and Indira Gandhi & Sheikh Mujibar Rahaman Act, 16th May, 1974 and tried to restore the plots of land, which were presently under possession of Bangladesh and demanded that the International Barbed Wire Border Fencing (IBWBF) to be constructed in such a way that the above 04-numbers of disputed village and the tea-garden must remain within the Indian territory. Earlier, it is fact that the division and demarcation made by Sir Cyril Radcliff, the British Engineer, in the year 1947 had also some defect, which he had himself confessed. After that a section of Indian leaders and officials came to know about it. But, yet, both the Indian Assam State Government and Central Government didnt pay any heed to this burning problem. However, most astonishing fact is that these above revealed portions are still under

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the administration of Bangladesh due to the lack of foresight-ness and quick wittedness of the Indian political fathers. Meanwhile, during the year, 1987-1988, 2005 and specially, in the year-2008, when Government of India began to make IBWBF along the said international boundary between the IBPN-1372 to IBPN-1800 (that is, that particular disputed area), at that time, that frustrated the landlords of the said 04-numbers of IBV and the TE. The above landowners even, thought that if the said IBWBF erected in this particular area or keeping their lands behind the above IBWBF, then they would never recover their lands in future. So, they lodge protest against that act of fencing and demanded interference of the Indian minister-in-charge and the heads of the department soon. Their requests and efforts came into motion, when NPCC made the IBWBF after keeping the portions of the abovementioned 04-numbers of IBV and the only TE areas left open. But, it wouldnt also take any positive steps to recover their lands, which were possessed by the Bangladesh, that is, earlier East Pakistan. But, in point of fact after facing various harassments as well as the tremendous tortures by the peoples and the forces of earlier East Pakistan and now Bangladesh, the peoples of that disputed hamlet areas wanted to erect the IBWBF immediately on that particular areas with inclusion of their said their 04-numbers of IBV and the TE areas inside (that is, Indian side) the IBWBF; otherwise their village lands and the tea-garden (including reserve forest areas) might go to the grip of Bangladesh and they would lost their lands permanently, said Bidyadhar Tripathi (presently age 90-plus and the inhabitant of Akaidam hamlet, which is situated near Lathitilla and Dumabaroi villages), Sangram Goala (presently expired, but the resident of Pathini Tea Estate) and Nagendra Kumar Das (age also around 90-years-plus and the resident of Karkhana Pathini village), the landlords of those above-noted IBVs on 28th December, 2008. Though, the Lathitilla-Dumabaroi sector was disputed since 1959. Only a working international border was fixed in this particular disputed patch. Even, at present this particular portion is not properly demarcated even after India Bangladesh International Border Deal Protocol to the agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh concerning the demarcation of the land boundary between India and Bangladesh, 06th September, 2011, but some few white coloured small flags are put or placed along the aforesaid working boundary to demarcate or to depict the above international boundary between the two states. Almost the people of both sides tilled their paddy fields on the plain areas and right up to the white flags. Unfortunately, the numbers of small white flags, which are fixed on the ground or placed along the above working boundary that still separate the above two nations. Not only that not a single IBP has been erected or made in this particular area due to failure of the above two respective nations to resolve the issue or subject over the years. However, around 42-kilometres to 45-kilometres thick jungles area (from Pathini TE [near Dumabaroi and the Karkhana Pathini] to Madanpur TE) locally known as Patharia Reserve Forest, which has elephant-grasses, teaks and non-Sal trees, etcetera and divides the above international boundary. In few portions of the abovementioned deep reserve forests (which have fallen in the said disputed areas) diminish the clear or proper visibility. As a result of this, it is really impossible for a soldier to mark any person coming from the forests (that is, from Bangladesh) side, claimed Rajesh Mishra, a local journalist of that Lathitilla-Dumabaroi IBVs area. It is fact that we have an IBOP at Lathitilla and an International Border Watch Post (IBWP) has been set up on the top of the hillock of the said international border. It is also true that to demarcate the above international boundary properly, few numbers of white-flag are placed near above IBVs area that called as Working International Border (WIB). Because, in a word, there are not a single IBP existed this particular disputed patches (that is, between IBPN-1397 to IBPN-1400) since 1965 and these white flags are working as IBP, which can see easily from the IBWP of BSFI and this is why, the above white flags are placed on the ground, that have marked as Zero-line area between the aforesaid two neighbouring countries. But, most important thing is that if any Bangladeshi miscreant removes the said white flags from those areas at night, then it is virtually impossible in day light to determine, which cultivable ground lies in India and which in Bangladesh or to demarcate the territory of the above two states accurately. Even, Bangladeshi abodes, school (in the Bangladesh side) are very close to the said disputed international border area and its clearly visible from IBWP of BSFI and its adjoining areas. The opposite IBOP of Bangladesh of the said disputed areas is Lathi and the IBVs of Bangladesh are Lathi, Kachha-godam, etcetera, said one of the Company Commandants of BSFI Kumar Sailesh. Therefore, from the above noted datas, documents and information, it had been proved that the IVBs Lathitilla-Dumabaroi are truly Indian lands. But, Government of India never officially declared or disclosed nor informed properly to the denizens of IBVs that how much total lands is going to be handed over to its neighbour and which exactly portions. However, declared amount of lands and the areas, which will be handed over to Bangladesh is either entirely shown wrong or ditched the real Indian citizens, who have been paying tax since or before 1914 for their own lands. The truth will automatically come out after finally handover or swap the lands with Bangladesh and the people of India will see from which how much lands India gains or leaves and who are the real victims. Muhuri River is one of the trans-border rivers of India and Bangladesh, which rises from the Lushai Hills (or known as Mizo Hills, which are part of the Patkai range in another Eastern Indian State, Mizoram and
IN DEPTH REPORT OF DISPUTED INTERNATIONAL BORDER RIVER MUHURI RIVER

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partially) of Eastern Indian State, Tripura and enters into Parshuram Upozila of former Feni Sub-division of Noakhali district of British regime in India, presently, Feni district of Bangladesh. It is fact that while passing over the hilly regions of India, the river turns furious, wild in nature and often causes flash-floods time-to-time. Though, at few places, the river demarcates the international border between India and Bangladesh, but it first merges with the Feni river (just near the inter-district border between Feni and another district of Bangladesh Chittagong) and then pass through Chittagong district before falls into the Indian sea, Bay of Bengal finally (but experts said after dividing the aforesaid two districts of Bangladesh).

(Sketch : Border Security Force of India [BSFI], Year-1999)

According to the socio-political observers of the Tripura State, The width spread out towards the aforesaid sea and when it reaches near the Bay of Bengal Sea (BOBS), the brook is under tidal influence. Specialists on India-Bangladesh international boundary asserted, It is fact that the one of the part of the said river is situated on the Belonia side, while on the other part of the said river is also fallen into the Chakla Roshnabad side too, which was also a Zemindari (that is, Estate) under the princely rulers of the former Tripura Estate. At that time it was only revenue firm zone to exist on the fertile plain of the said state. But, during partition, this particular part of Chakla Roshnabad merged with the former East-Pakistan of Pakistan State, while hilly part of the area merged with the Indian State. At that point, this Muhuri river was considered as a natural boundary of the both the nations.

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Indeed, unfortunately the entire problem was arisen just after Revision Settlement Survey, 1937 (that is, after around 23-years later), when the more strips of land (that is, Char, called as river island) were come out from the aforesaid river bed in the years 1956, 1960, 1961 and 1966 due to heavy siltations and erosions of the above rivers lower course. Subsequently, it was fully matured or the formation of the land was completed in the year, 1974. The total area of this particular strip of char-land is 62.270-acres (based on record 2001) that lies in between International Border Pillar Number (IBPN)-2159/3-s to IBPN-2159/48-s (Map [Noakhali, Tripura-79] Reference Number SQ [means-square]-6267, SQ-6167, SQ-6268, SQ-6191 and SQ-6284, (M[Map/Sheet Number]/7, M/8, scale 01 to a mile). The above char-land is not only a plain and flat sandy soil area but also very much fertile (because of that Indian cultivators took this opportunity and used it) and the depth of the aforesaid river water will not be more than minimum 05-feet to 15-feet and maximum 10-feet to 20-feet and is negotiable. Out of the above total stretch (that is, 62.270-acres), 44.870-acres fall into Indian side (which is presently under cultivation of Indian farmers or nationals), while the area measuring 17.400-acres closer to Bangladesh (which is under cultivation of Bangladeshi nationals), which couldnt be used by the Indian peasants, but unfortunately encumbered by the Bangladesh frontier guard former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), presently known as Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB), each and every time, when the Indian cultivators wanted to plough or cultivate the above Indian sides that strip of land. As a result of this, the conflict between the two international frontier border guards had become quite regular features over the years. (See Sketch & Table-I & Table-II) AT A GLANCE
TABLE-I

ACTUAL POSITIONS, FACTS & FIGURES OF MUHURI RIVER ISLAND

SERIAL NUMBER NAME OF THE DISPUTED ISLAND AREAS/PORTIONS UNDER INDIAN AREA (In Acre) UNDER BANGLADESH AREA (In Acre) NEAR INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER (IBPN)

01. 02. 03.

Muhuri River Char-I

(03.700+03.300) =07.000 37.870 00.000

02.400

Muhuri River Char-II Muhuri River Char-III

09.000 06.000

Total

Muhuri River Islands

44.870

(Source : Border Security Force of India [BSFI], Year-1999)

17.400

2159/3-S (Near Nijkalikapur IBOP of Bangladesh) (Near right-hand side of Belonia IBOP of India) 2159/48-S (Near Baurkhuma IBOP or Mazumdarhat IBV of Bangladesh) 2159/3-S to 2159/48-S

On the other hand, the others marine experts mentioned, The exact position and the land areas of the abovementioned char area was around 66.093-acres, which was created because of frequently change in course of Muhuri River. Of them, 43.393-acres fell in the Indian side, while the rest of 22.700-acres in Bangladesh part of the above river Muhuri. Nevertheless, interestingly, BGB of Government of peoples Republic of Bangladesh claimed (very different), Out of 92.130-acres of land, a total of 48.130-acres of land is termed as Disputed Land beside that 35.230-acres of land are under the control of Bangladeshi peasants, while 08.600-acres of land are under the siege or occupation of Indian cultivators, though, the aforesaid particular Disputed Land is under no ones but status quo is maintained by both the frontier forces. AT A GLANCE
TABLE-II

ACTUAL POSITIONS, FACTS & FIGURES OF DAM OF MUHURI RIVER AREA

SERIAL NUMBER

LOCATION OF DAM OF MUHURI RIVER (Belonia Town Area of Belonia Sub-Division)

(In Kilometre)

EXISTING LENGTH

AREA PROTECTED
(In Hectare)

INTERNATIONAL BORDER

Kalinagar to Check-post 01.070 ----- With Bangladesh Check-post to Bonkar-Ghat 03.130 01,714 With Bangladesh Bonkar-Ghat to Bollarmukh (BSFI-IBOP) 01.200 60 With Bangladesh Amzadnagar School to IBPN-2164/4-s 02.690 65 With Bangladesh Entire Dam of Muhuri River (of 08.090 01,839 With Bangladesh Belonia Town) with Bangladesh 05. Bonkar-Ghat to Baroj Colony 01.476 80 Within India Grand Entire Dam of Muhuri River of 09.566 01,919 With Bangladesh & Total Belonia Town Within India Note : As on record 04th September, 2011 and Here, Dams of Muhuri River from Kalinagar to Check-post & Checkpost to Bonkar-Ghat are protected 01,714-hactares areas.
Source : Water Resource Department of Public Works Department, Government of Tripura State, India

01. 02. 03. 04. Total

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Therefore, to demarcate the aforesaid international borderline in this particular sector, the former East Pakistan (presently Bangladesh) Government wanted to follow the Chakla-Roshnabad Eastate Map (CREM)s of 1892-1894. However, the Government of India didnt agree to it but deserved to follow the Awards of the arbitrators deputed to adjust the boundary between British and former independent Tripura (including Belonia town areas) as was settled between the 18th October, 1854 and 01st November, 1854. However, the aforesaid international borderline that followed left bank of the above river is also shown on the sketch as stated by Chakla-Roshanabad Estate Map (CRM)s of 1893. Indeed parenthetically, it is this part of the said river that creates the abovementioned international border, which falls in between entire presently both South Tripura district and Feni district (erstwhile Sub-division of Noakhali district of Bangladesh), which was mentioned in the records as erstwhile both (Indian) Tripura-Noakhali sector of East Pakistan state (presently, Bangladesh). In this context, it can be mentioned here that according to the Indian historians and the historical documents or evidences of the India Gazettes, Tripura Estate (presently, one of the State of India) was first appears in the 14th-century. During the last part of Mughal (that is, a race of Muslim community) Shamrajya, that is Mughal Empire, the kings of Tripura (that is, Hill Tripura) was under the control of Mughal emperor of Delhi (former undivided India) and had to pay elephant tax (that is, supplying a good number of elephants per year), while on the other hand, another king Dharma Manikya-II (between the year 1713-1729), who was the head of Chakla Roshnabad Estate, shortly say, CRE (that is, Plain Tripura) was under the control of Nawab (that is, Provincial Governor of Ruler) of Bengal (that is, former undivided Bengal of Undivided India) had also been to pay Rs. 50,000.00 as revenue to the aforesaid Nawab and at that time, this king of CRE became a Zemindar (that is, Landlord or Head of the Estate). Actually, the Plain Tripura known as a Chakla Roshnabad during Mughal period. It was not until the beginning of the 17th-century, which the Mughal Empire extended its sovereignty over Tripura Estate; in the year-1761, the British Force of the East India Company took over or invaded and ruled everything of Tripura Estate (that is, above Plain & Hill) sectors; at that time, the king was of entire Tripura Maharaj Krishna Manikya. Indeed, Tripura Estate was a vast land of plains and hills. The eastern hilly part, that is, the present position was called Hilly Tripura or Hill Tippera, while the western plain part (up to the bank of Meghna river, which was actually under erstwhile Comilla District of East Pakistan), was called Plain Tripura or Chakla Roshnabad. At that time, besides being the king of Hill Tippera, the Raja (that is, King) had also ruled the estate called Chakla Roshnabad Estate (CRE), which was practically, recognized as a district (later) during British Rule. This CRE had 04-numbers of part, which was under the former Nawab of Bengal. Out of 04-numbers of part, two parts lied in Tippera Zilla (that is, district), presently Comilla district of Bangladesh; one part lied in (present) Noakhali district, while another part lied on (present) Sylhet district of Bangladesh respectively. It can be mentioned here that in this context, the local observers and the historians of the Tripura State pointed out, The exact area of CRE was disputed. As per Kailash Chandra Singha the royal chronicler it was 03,67,335-acres, but British survey said the total area was 03,77,100-acres or 589-square miles. On the other hand, according to J. G. Cumming, who surveyed the area in the year between, 1892-1899, the area was 03,57,529-acres or 553.77-square miles, while as per U. K. Das (the minister of Tripura king) in his administrative report reveled that in the year 1890, the above area was 03,95,631-acres. Not only that the J. G. Cumming also stated that 49-numbers of Pargana (means : collections of hamlets, which are part of a district) were reduced to 31-numbers pargana with 01,511-numbers of village. On the other side, according the Indian Tripura State Government records were concern, Chakla means Circle and Roshnabad means The Land of Light. Chakla Roshnabad is a place, where first nose-to-nose was taken place between Tripura Raj (that is, King) and the British East India Company. Not only that on 24th March, 1829, this was under Zemindary System, which was integral part of Tripura Raj or Tripura Estate, after the verdict was delivered or declared by the Sadar Dewani Adalat in a verdict. It is fact that after took-over by the East India Company (that is, British Force), this Tripura Estate was an independent administrative estate (that is, Zemindari) of the kings of Tripura. In a word it could say, both Hill Tripura and Plain Tripura came under the one administrative and became a part and parcel of Tripura king or Zemindar during the British Rule in India. But, in the year 1905, this estate was attached to the province, namely Eastern Bengal and Assam and basically from that period Hill Tripura known as Hill Tippera. However, the aforesaid last ruling king of Tripura, Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, ascended the throne in the year, 1923 and (though, before his death in 1947), it was settled that Tripura should accede to the newly independent country of India. But, suddenly death (at the age of 39) of the above king on 17th May, 1947 (his son Yuvaraj Kirit Bikram was at that time a minor), the aforesaid estate (means Chakla Roshnabad) was added to East Pakistan (which was one of the largest provincial state of West Pakistan, that is, present Pakistan) now Bangladesh, on 14th August, 1947 due to Sir Cyril Radcliff, who was appointed by Great Britain (that is, United Kingdom, shortly say UK) in June, 1947 at the chair two Boundary Commissions and drew an arbitrary line to divide the above two states.

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Radcliffe Line Or Radcliffe Map. Source : Joya Chatterji, Cambridge University Press, 1995.

Afterward, in 1950s the erstwhile East Pakistan State Government of Pakistan Government abolished the Jomidari Protha (that is, Zemindari System or Zemindari Right)s. That is, on 14th October, 1955, East Bengal (that is, locally called Purbo Bango or Purbo Bangla) renamed as East Pakistan (locally called Purbo Pakistan) of West Pakistan (locally called Poshchim Pakistan) of present Pakistan State. As a result of this, a huge chunk of lands were lost by the Maharaja (that is, King) of Tripura. Though, ultimately, Tripura Estate (that is, Hill Tripura side) officially became part of India on 15th October, 1949, and was made a Union Territory on 01st September, 1956 and lastly became a Constituent full-fledged State of the Indian Union on 21st January, 1972, stated the local socio-political experts of the Tripura State. Nonetheless, ultimately the issue was resolved as per the pact prepared between Government of India with Bangladesh Government in the year, 1974 (Vide Para 5 and 6 of Article - I of the Agreement). According to para (5) of India Bangladesh Land Border Agreement, 1974, which clearly said : During the time of demarcation, this particular International Riverine Border (IRB) between the aforesaid two nations should be demarcated along the mid-stream of the course of the river Muhuri, which IRB will be fixed boundary. Not only that the above Muhuri river should be kept totally separate from the remaining part of the Tripura (Indian State)-Noakhali-Comilla (districts of Bangladesh) sector, where the demarcation was to be complete on the basis of Chakla-Roshanabad Estate Map (CRM)s of 1892-1894 as well as the District Settlement Maps of 1915-1918. Even, both side governments should be made spurs on their respective portions with a view to not only steadying the above river in its existing course but also check erosion and siltation. On the other hand, as per para of the (6) of the said pact, The demarcation of this particular international borderline zone should be finished on the basis of Chakla-Roshnabad Estate Maps of 1892-1894 and

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the South Tripura District Settlement Maps of 1915-1918 for these particular sites, which havent been wrapped up by the above ChaklaRoshnabad Maps. However, in this perspective, local political think-tanks of the Indian side stated, According to the records, after the merger of Tripura kingdom into India, India said to East Pakistan Government of Pakistan on 27th January, 1957, to solve the issue as per CRMs-1892. But, the Pakistan didnt agree. Similarly, in course of time, even, Bangladesh didnt pay any heed to it (that is, Indias abovementioned proposal of CRM-1892). In this context, India was affirmed that Bangladeshs firmness on referring to the Chakla-Roshanabad Estate Map (CRM)s of 1893 is differing to the declaration delineated in the year, 1974, where the above international boundary should be outlined along the course of the river, Muhuri during the time of demarcation. Not only had that Bangladesh repeatedly insisted on referring to the IRB outlined on the basis of CRMs of 1893. Because, it gave around 44-acres of land, which was more than what it would had if the demarcation was completed on the basis of the existing stream of the river, Muhuri. Not only that since the year, 1893, the said river had been changed its courses time-to-time, running around the conclave that Bangladesh had declared to be its own territory according to the map of CRMs of 1893. Even, the demarcation of the remaining part of Tripura (Indian State)-Noakhali-Comilla (districts of Bangladesh) sector also should be concluded on the basis of ChaklaRoshanabad Estate Map (CRM)s of 1892-1899 . In a word, Bangladesh considers and argued that both the said two sectors must be solved under CRMs, which was not only relevant but also fit for reduce the conflict between both sides for the above reasons. However, in this connection, BSFI (according to their reports and documents) and CRMs claimed (see sketch), The Government of Bangladesh made a claim that the aforesaid international border from IBPN-2159/3-S should track according to said CREMs up to point A and subsequently expanded up to point B, where it meets or merges the mid-stream of the presently existing (that is, flowing) the said Muhari river. From IBPN-2159/48-S, it should be marked added as said by CREMs through points C and D till it merges the midstream of the Muhuri river at point E. In between the points B and E it should follow midstream of the said river. According to the records of the BSFI, The international boundary between erstwhile Tripura Estate and British province of Bengal was determined as per award map of 1854, prepared by M/S Lycestor and Cambell. As per this award map, Muhuri river course was very close to the existing Belonia flood protection bund and if is to be accepted as boundary then almost entire Muhuri river char-land as existing today, would go to Bangladesh. In the year 1892, British Bengal prepared unilateral map for their territory, while preparing this map, award map of 1854 was taken into account. The maps of 1892 were scientifically prepared and can be relied on the ground. According to the map of 1854 the above international boundary was to run along with left bank of the aforesaid river. No specific mention of the maps of 1854 had been taken into account and it was assured that the boundary was to run again along the left bank of the river Muhuri as shown in this map. During the time of the Revision Settlement Survey (RSS) conducted in the year 1937, a large part of the char land was recorded as khas (that is, private) land of different Jotedar (that is, tenure-holder or farmer)s, the remaining portions being recorded as khas. Not only that, in the records of RSS of 1937, it was also mentioned that there was a local cremation ground existed or located in the aforesaid char-land area, which was also the khas land. At that time the land area was around 19.920-acres. But, after partition in the year 1947, Tripura Estate merged with India. And a result of this, the boundary between the Indian State, Tripura and the then East Pakistan was to become the international boundary between East Pakistan of Pakistan and India and when demarcation of the said international boundary of this sector was taken up, at that time, the maps of 1854 and 1892 were taken into consideration. The District Land Revenue (DLR) of Indian Tripura State and the DLR of Bangladesh on 27th June, 1957, started demarcation on the basis of the maps of 1892 . But, the DLR of East Pakistan didnt agree to this and further demarcation was suspended. In the year 1959, to maintain peace in this area, a working boundary was commander. According to this negotiation, the working boundary was run along with Belonia flood protection bund and the entire Muhuri river char-land was to be with East Pakistan. It was also decided that both sides shouldnt cultivate this land with till final international boundary demarcation is done. This agreement was later on not considered and the area remained disputed. Thus, Bangladesh is actually demanding or claiming the whole Char (that is, River Island) area of the above river that they are called as Muhurir Char. Earlier, that is, before the year-1999, the populaces of Belonia town and its adjoining areas (Bhuyan Bari, Dutta Bari, Raimohon Chowdhury Bari, etcetera) cremated the dead bodies of (their dearest or relatives) Sanatan Religion (Hindu Community) at Shamshan Ghat (that is, cremation ground), which was existed aforesaid chars areas of Muhurir Char. But, the fact is that BDR purposely fought with the BSFI in this particular spot, when the Indian peoples (of Belonia area) wanted to cremate the dead bodies of their dearest or relative. For instance on 01st March, 1988, the local peoples of Belonia town cremated one freedom fighters dead body in the aforesaid Muhurirchar cremation ground, who was the member of Indian National Congress (INC) during freedom movement of India. The Indian peoples hoisted an INC flag on the said cremation site during his cremation. But, seeing this, the BDR company commander immediately lodged a protest against the same and the issue was further raised during company commander level meeting. Not only that the above BDR Sector Commander even, visited the area on 12th March, 1988. But, interesting fact is that after visiting the area BDR

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constructed some new bunkers and repaired the old ones, slit trenches, weapons pits along the Bangladesh side Muhuri river embankment and subsequently BDR International Border Out Post (IBOP) Mazumdarhat, Nijkalikapur and Parshuram of Feni district of Bangladesh were re-informed. Almost similar incident happened on 21st April, 2005, the open confrontation between two nations came closer at night, when BDR tried to stop Indian villagers from cremating a fish merchant at Belonia at the said Muhuri river char. BDR soldiers asked the Indian civilians of Belonia town not to cremate the dead body of Biraj Das in the aforesaid char-land (river island) area and severely threatened to open fire on the Indian peoples. After that the frontier border guards of Bangladesh move away, when the Indian villagers sought BSFIs help in this context. However, the cremation was completed without any incident, recounted one of the BSFI officials, who posted at Belonia, Anil Kumar. Actual Position or Map of Muhuri River course is flowing between International Border (Belonia Nagar Panchayet Area) India & (Feni District) Bangladesh

Source : Belonia Nagar Panchayet, Belonia (South Tripura District of Indian State, Tripura.

It is fact that before the year 1999, the peoples of Belonia town and its adjoining areas cremated the dead bodies of their beloved and dearest at the cremation ground, which was existed at the middle of the Muhuri rivers char-land. This particular cremation ground also locally known as Maha Shamshan Ghat, which was situated just opposite of Belonia IBOP of BSFI and because of that this particular river island area was also locally called Shamshaner Char. But, when the Bangladesh raised objections vehemently in the above context, at that time, to avoid the evil motive of the BDR and the peoples of Bangladesh, the citizens of the Belonia town areas shifted or do their above revealed cremation work from Muhurir Char (Maha Shamshan Ghat) to Mohismianh Ghat (means river bank) and when Bangladesh raised a hue and cry again about the above similar activities of peoples of Belonia at Mohismianh Ghat, at that time finally it was shifted to Bonkar (means Forest Tax)-Ghat (Near Karuna Roy Setu [means bridge] area), which is stood just near around 01-kilometre to 01.50-kilometre away from the exact disputed Muhuri river char-land, narrated the vice-chairperson of the Belonia Nagar (means-Town) Panchayet of Belonia on 30th August, 2011. In this connection it can be mentioned here that, The exact position of the both side embankment the embankment of Bangladesh, which was also made for flood protection all along far bank of the Muhuri river is exactly situated opposite Indian International Border Village (IBV) I. C. Nagar (that is, IBPN-2157/40-S to IBPN2159/48-S), skirting BGB IBOPs Nijkalikapur, Kalikapur, IBV Nijkalikapur, and further southwards IBV/IBOP

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Parshuram. The height of this bund varies from 10-feet to 15-feet in various places. Nijkalikapur and Mazumdarhat are connected through a feet-track over this bund. While the embankment of India takes shaped from wooden bridge (SQ-6469) on river Muhuri (Map Nowakhali, Tripura-79 M/7 and M/8) existing towards south-west and further towards east up to International Immigration Custom Check Post (IICCP) of India, in the close vicinity of IBPN-2160. Its height varies from 10/15feet to 25/30-feet at various points. Not only that Indian side embankment (which covers the portion only of IndiaBangladesh international border) is situated at Ward Number (WN)s 03, 02, 01 and 09 of Belonia Nagar Panchayet Area (BNPA). The length of this particular portion is around 02.50-kilometre. The undisputed portions are WN10 and WN13, where embankment is not existed, but the area is marsh lands. Though, Bonkar-ghat of Muhuri River is situated at WN-04 of Belonia town, where the aforesaid international border is not existed between the above two nations but, there are two small river islands of Muhuri River are existed presently at WN-01. In a word, the disputed areas are existed exactly from WN-01, WN-02, WN-03 and WN-09 of the said Belonia town, while undisputed areas are WN-10 and WN-13 of the said town areas. On the other side, the breadth of the above Muhuri River is around 300-metres to 350-metres. The exact Muhuri River Ghat (that is, bank) is fallen under WN-09 to WN-10. While on the other hand, Baurkhuma char area falls under WN-13. The aforesaid Muhuri River Char-Part-I falls under Ward Number-01, while on the other hand, Muhuri River Char-Part-II & Muhuri River Char-Part-III fall under Ward Number-09 of the above BNPA of Belonia. Because of earlier, WN-03, WN-02, WN-01 and WN-09 were included under CREM that is why; this particular portion was become so-called disputed (See Belonia Nagar Panchayet Area map), narrated Swapan Das one of the renowned local journalist (who is the reporter of the local vernacular Bengali newspaper Dainik Sambad) of Belonia District of Eastern Indian State, Tripura. There are more than 100-numbers to 150-numbers of Smriti Falak and Smriti Mandir (that is, memorial stone-tablet and cenotaph or mausoleum) are existed till today in this Muhuri river island area, which are more than 100 to 125-years-old. The local peoples were made above these numbers of memorial stone-tablet in the name of their dearest and beloveds and relatives. Perhaps it can be covered by alluvial soil or buried under alluvium of Muhuri river. Not only that even earlier the immersions of Durga Protima (that is, Durga Idol)s and others were happened in this particular spot, claimed 60-years-old, Benilal Das, who in fact lives just near the embankment and near the Muhurir river char-land area as well and was also lost his own piece of agricultural land on the said riverisland areas. Not only that Due to constant objection from the BDR (that is, presently-BGB) and the Bangladesh Government, the farmers, who are resided just near 400-metres to 500-metres away from the spot Muhuri river island as well as close to the embankment of Muhuri river had left their farming activities on this particular area. In a word, we can say, our neigbourer Ratan Das (55-years-old), Benilal Das (60-years-old), Nimai Das (42-years-old), Gopal Das (37-years-old), Bimal Pal (60-years-old), Shyamol Pal (60-years-old), Chhoton Dutta (62-years-old), Late Loton Dutta, Late Sukhendu Das, Late Ranjit Sil, Late Manu Mazumder, Late Ashwini Choudhury, Late Mahendra Muhuri, Kanu Deb (65-years-old), like around 68-numbers of peasants lost their farming-lands, alleged cultivator, Naresh Das (58-years-old), who also dwells just near the embankment and near the Muhurir river char-land area as well and was also lost his own piece of agricultural land on the said river-island areas. On the other hand, supporting the above revealed fact and figures, the Government of India (according to their records) emphasized, The above international border should trail the alignment as maintained by CREMs from IBPN-2159/3-S up to spot A and after that increased up to another spot B, where it merges the midstream of the present Muhari river that is, similarly as said by Government of Bangladesh claims. Even, from IBPN-2159/48-S, the abovementioned border should follow according to CREMs up to spot C and followed by widen up to another spot F by the shortest distance to merge the midstream of the presently existing Muhuri river. However, from point F the aforesaid international border should follow the midstream of the existing Muhari river up to point B passing through the points G and E. Reason : The entire part of the above Muhari river from spot B to F in Muhari river (Belonia) sector as the Belonia township is extended all over the vicinity (see CREMs). As per para 5 of the 1974 agreement, the international border is to be defined along midstream of the course of the said river during the time of demarcation and it will be a permanent international border. It is fact that the Muhuri river is a hilly river and its changes its course time-to-time. Not only that the existing track of Muhari river is always crisscrossing the previous route of Muhuri river, which showed (from points B to E) in CREMs. Thus, the gain and loss to either side would have been inconsequential. Therefore, the side (from the spot B to E of CREMs) couldnt have been the key point of disagreement resulting in para 5 of the 1974 pact. However, on the other hand, according to the records of the Indian Defence Force, the actual topographical or geographical or strategic position of Muhuri river char-land is a) BGB IBOP Nijkalikapur (SQ-4268) is located on the far bank of river Muhuri (just opposite Muhuri river char-land) and is at a distance of about 10-yards away from IBPN-2159/3-S. Around 01,500-numbers of population are resided in and around the said Bangladeshi IBOP, while on the other hand, about 200-numbers to 300-numbers peoples are dwelled in the tiny IBV Nijkalikapur (SQ-6167) and these entire peoples are belonged to Bengali speaking Muslim community or Bengali Muslim community. A steel International Observation Post Tower (IOPT) is also existed in the said IVB, from which

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Bangladeshi frontier Guards personnel always keep their eyes or observation on International Border Town (IBT) Belonia as well as the IBTs only wooden bridge (SQ-6469) properly. b) The another IBV of Bangladesh Mazumdarhat (SQ-6266) is located opposite to Indian IICCP of India, that is, near just IBPN-2160 and the aforesaid IBV adjacent to it IBV Baurkhuma (SQ-6266). This IBV has around 600-bumbers to 700-numbers of population and the residents are Bengali speaking Muslim. A steel IOPT is also existed in this IVB, from which Bangladeshi frontier Guards personnel always keep their eyes or observation on International Border Town (IBT) Belonia as well as the IBV-Kalinagar and Sara-seema. A cart-track is also existed, which connects the IBVs Mazumdarhat to Parshuram of Feni district. c) Parshuram IBOP (SQ-6264)-cum-IBV is also located opposite to the Indian IBV (Paschim-para) Amzadnagar of Belonia Sub-division. This small IBV, Parshuram has around 10,000-numbers of population, out of which 90% (percent) Bengali speaking Muslim community people and the rest of the 10% (percent) is Bengali speaking Hindu community peoples. This IBV has Railway Station Bilonia and is well connected with district Feni, both by rail and road. Though, indeed, the Bangladesh Railway Station Bilonia is located adjacent to the BGB IBOP camp Mazumdarhat and is at a distance of about 200-yards from their own IICCP (that is, near IBPN-2160). Bilonia (which is also called as Belonia in Indian side, was the strongholds camp of 15-Baluch Regiment of Pakistan Army during Liberation War, 1971, including Feni), Railway (metre-gauge) track is existed from Bilonia Railway Station (SQ-6266), near IBPN-2160 to district headquarter Feni. There are 04-numbers of train daily ups and downs in this railway track (Bilonia-Parshuram-Chitolia-Phulkazi-Musnshir Haat-Akadamy Haat Feni-Feni) everyday. Not only that there is a 150-yards loop shape bund skirting railway station, IBVs Mazumdarhat and Bourkhuma (See Sketch of BSFI). But, the irony is that later in between the years 1976 and 1977, the aforesaid international boundary was again marked or fixed according to the above CREMs up to the IBPN-2159/3-S and IBPN-2159/48-S on both part of the above Muhari river, except the river portion area was unmarked. Though, the presented position of the Muhari river in the above-noted Belonia sector was assessed during the field session or survey between the years 1977 and 1978 that illustrated on the sketch of the said agreement. Actually, Since Partition (that is, in the year-1947), India and Bangladesh have differences over this particular tiny river portion. But, later this area became more vulnerable, when a small river-island emerged and India had illegally captured or occupied this river island since Indo-Pak War of 1965, as Bangladesh alleged. Earlier, aforesaid two nations always fought each other for this small patch of this portion unnecessarily. Even, sometimes the situation as well as the image of the two friendly neighbouring states had gone jeopardize as well as got big blow due to above reason. Even, during 1980s to 1990s, not less than 59-numbers to 60-numbers of time indecisive gunfire had been occurred due to this particular point. According to the records of the Indian Home Ministry was concerned, Time-to-time, without any cause, the soldiers of the armed East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) of Pakistan had not only been harassing the Indian civilians in various occasions but also threatening the Indian farmers that not to till in the Muhuri river island, even had taken away the cows and the harvests of the Indian peasants by force in so many times. By all means, the similar incidents were recorded in United Nation (UN)s library. But, the conflict between the above two nations was actually started on the said issue in the year 1963. Specially, the first armed conflict started on 07th October, 1964. On that day, Pakistani soldiers threatened the Indian farmers verbally, not to till in the Muhuri River island. But, when the Indian peasants didnt pay any heed to it and continued their agricultural works on their fields at that time the aforesaid Pakistani soldiers threatened them to shoot them if the Indian farmers didnt stop their agricultural works immediately. Seeing that, the Indian farmers got frightened and left the place immediately. But, on 09th October, 1964, when a few Indian farmers went the said place to collect their agricultural equipments from their agricultural field, the EPR soldiers fired several rounds upon them, which was the first firing incident of Muhuri river dispute. After that, since 03rd May, 1965, the soldiers of the EPR had been hassling the Indian civilians in various occasions and even, gave threatening time-to-time due to use of the abovementioned Muhuri River-island. On 10th May, 1965, around morning 08:20-am the EPR soldiers started unprovoked firing towards Indian side, which ultimately continued up to 10:05-am. On 16th May, 1965, EPR jawans began unprovoked firing and spent around more than 04,000-numbers of round towards the town, Belonia, which was continued every now and then, though, Indian International Border Police Force (IIBPF) had returned fire towards the East Pakistan (of Pakistan) in self defense. Consequently, around 06-numbers of Pakistani EPR personal were believed to be killed, while others 03-numbers of jawan were wounded. In effect, Pakistan was used its strength to stop work of the Indian embankment, which was built (in the year 1962) on the bank of the said river to save the Belonia town from the clutches of heavy erosion of the above river. Similarly, after the Liberation War, 1971, Bangladesh also made similar dam on their side for similar above causes in (between) the year 1982 to 1984 (which is long 06-kilometres but covered the said international boundary between the two states only about 03.00-kilometres). Because, in this regard, the logic of Bangladesh Government was that Indian spurs (which is long 09.566-kilometres but covered the said international boundary between the two states only around 08.090-kilometres) caused heavy siltation and erosion and flood affected their surrounding village areas, while naked truth or motive was totally different. Bangladesh truly made the dam to

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divert the river current towards India, which directly affected the Belonia town by heavy land-erosions and high floods that caused human lives, habitations, agricultural fields, et cetera. However, It is fact that aforesaid facts and figures of Muhuri River dam (which I have given) are true and based on as per our records but at the same time, it is also fact that the Bangladesh perhaps had made the dam to divert the river current towards India, which directly affected the Belonia town by heavy land-erosions and high floods that caused human lives, habitations, agricultural fields, et cetera, which is their ultimate motto, charged Sajal Debnath, Junior Engineer of Water Resource Department of Public Works Department, Government of Tripura State, India of Belonia Town. While on the other side, the local peoples of the aforesaid international boundary of Bangladesh side emphasized, Heavy siltation and erosion were took place in the years 1956, 1960, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1979, 1983, which changed the course of the said river and as a result of this, the IBPs (which demarcated the above international boundary between the two neighbouring nations) were washed away and this why, there are not a single IBP existed this particular disputed patches (that is, between IBPN-1397 to IBPN-1400) since 1965 and these white flags are working as IBP, which can see easily from the IBWP of BSFI and this is why, the above white flags are placed on the ground, which is also marked as Zero-line area between the aforesaid two neighbouring countries. But, in this context the local residents of the Indian side claimed, There is no existence of IBPs and since then it is disputed and politics are going on this issue between the both sides. Because, actually, during the military regime (that is, 27th October, 1958 to 25th March, 1969) of Ayub Khan of (both East Pakistan and West Pakistan of present Pakistan) Pakistan, who was Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistani Army or the first Chief Martial Law Administrator of Pakistan, Pakistani Mujahid Bahini-PMB (that is, Pakistan Fighter Force) after received the direct instigations of East Pakistan Rifle Force (EPRF) stole the Indian crops, domestic animals and others house-hold materials from the residents of International Border Town (IBT), Belonia. Not only that even, they had kidnapped, brutally tortured and killed the Indian peasants as well as the local public of the said IBT. Apart from this, the PMB illegally cut the forest and forest produces materials and had taken away forcibly. The PMB members didnt stop their activists, they even first uprooted the IBPs at night, which were made and fixed during British Raj (that is, period) in between aforesaid international border and then fixed once again inside the Indian Territory, while few of them took away to obliterate the actual international border line between the above two states. The non stop horrible tortures of Auyb Khan were took place on the inhabitants of this particular Belonia town area in the years 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965. But, When on 08th April, 1965 and later full-fledgedly on 05th August, 1965, the first India-Pakistan War was started, in Indian Western Sector Pakistan (that is, West Pakistan) launched relentless battle, while at the same time, to beleaguer India, the Pakistan (that is, East Pakistan) also began a severe clash in Indian Eastern Sector (particularly, in Muhuri river sector) in various way. On 29th May, 1965, 23rd June, 1965 and 30th June, 1965, the EPR soldiers started unprovoked firing on the Indian laobourers, who were working on the Muhuri river dykes. Not only that, the Pakistani soldiers created similar situations on the said Indo-East Pakistan international boundary sector on 24th July, 1965 and 30th July, 1965, respectively, revealed the Indian Army records. Again to pester India, Pakistan began fight in the aforesaid Indo-East Pakistan international boundary sector, on 06th August, 1965. On that day, a patrolling group of EPR soldiers dressed in civilian clothes and violated the Indian territory and indiscriminately unprovoked fired towards Indian villagers unnecessarily, who were working at the place Radhanagar village (which is presently under Rajnagar Block of Belonia Sub-division in South Tripura district of Indian State, Tripura) that situated in between IBPN-2107/7-s to IBPN-2107/12-s. As a result of that 02-numbers of Indian civilian (that is, worker) seriously wounded, while hearing the information, IIBPF rushed to the spot and before rescued the Indian workers, the personnel of the said Indian force were returned fired towards the aforesaid patrolling group of EPR jawans in self defense. As a result of this, 02-numbers of EPR jawan also injured. But, at the end of the firing, the soldiers of the said Indian force collected few arms and ammunitions with clothing utensils and 03-numbers of berets, cap-badges and et cetera of EPR soldiers and returned, disclosed the UN library records. Like other days, on first week of November, 1965, myself, Sankar Das (22-years-old and the inhabitant of Ward Number-01 of Belonia town) with others neighbourers (Sukhen Das, Durgashankar Shome, Madan Dey and others) were working in our agricultural field as usual. Suddenly, around 14:30-pm, 02-numbers of EPR jawans came near the Muhuri river dam, called us and warned severely that not to carry out our cultivation works in our agricultural fields, because the land was disputed and belongs to East Pakistan of Pakistan. But, at that time, we didnt pay any heed to their words and continued our works to sow the saplings of sugarcanes. After few times, about 16:10-pm, the EPR soldiers without any kind of provocation fired towards us indiscriminately. Seeing this, some of us laid down on the field immediately, but after one-hour, when we saw the firing of EPR soldiers were continuing or didnt stop, some of us tried to flee. One of them Sankar Das, who directly hit by a bullet of EPR jawans on his forehead and the other one, was Madan Das, who got also the bullet injury on his ear. But, Sankar Das fell down on the ground, but we took him to rush to the Belonia Sub-divisional Hospital by rickshaw. But, doctor referred him to the Gobind Ballav Pant Hospital at Agartala, the capital of Eastern Indian State, Tripura. But, unfortunately, after around 06-days to 07-days, he was died, while injured Madan Dey was released after received few medical treatments, when he was come around. The people of Belonia became furious on East Pakistan regime of their evil

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handiwork of EPR soldiers and as a mark of protest, populaces and Krishak Sabha, an organistaion of farmers of Belonia organized a big mass procession with his dead body and round the every nook and corner of the Belonia town and its said adjoining Indo-Bangla international boundary areas. It is fact that on that day, there were several rounds of firing occurred between the above two neighbouring states of the soldiers. On behalf of India Indian Bihar (State) Military Police Force (shortly say-IBMPF, which was one of the part of Indian Army and deployed in Indian eastern international border with the then East Pakistan of Pakistan in the year-1965), was fighting with jawans of EPR. That day was horrible and painful before us. After that day incident, so many times that kind of firing (whether small or big) incidents were happened in this particular Muhuri River island areas. However, today, except me, most of our friends-cum-neighbourers that I revealed earlier had gone died, thanks to almighty god .., recounted one of the eyewitness on that day firing incident of Muhuri River Char-land, Sankar Chakraborty, who is now 58-years-old and the resident of earlier Das Para, renamed and presently known as Ramthakur Para of Sub-division head-quarter town, Belonia (presently, which is become a full fledged district of Tripura State on 21st January, 2012). Supporting the fact, Naresh Das, the Vice President of Krishak Sabha, an organistaion of farmers of Belonia related, Whatever our next door neighbour-cum-friend Shankar Chakraborty said is cent percent true. On that day our beloved farmer friend, Sankar Das was killed by EPR firing, when he was farming on his particular Muhuri River farmland areas with us like other days and that was the first incident of a death caused by the EPR soldiers on Muhuri River firing related case. The conflict between the said two nations didnt stopped here, it was further escalate, when (according to the reports) the Government of Pakistan made with an another new allegation or angle and blamed, India is aiming to extract water from Muhuri river for agricultural (specially, irrigation purposes) projects in return of tenacity the erosion dilemma in our East Pakistan part of this international bordering river. Not only is that India made dam to take advantage from the security point of view also, which has threatened for us. However, in the mean time, under the leadership as well as the support of Sub-divisional District Magistrate or Sub-divisional Deputy Magistrate (SDM) or Sub-divisional Deputy Collector or Sub-divisional District Collector (SDC) Sachhidananda Banerjee, on 12th November, 1965, a foot-march was organised on the said river island areas on protest against of unprovoked firing by Pakistani soldiers on Indian farmers, where more than 10numbers to 15-numbers of local peoples were joined in this protest march. Seeing this, the EPR soldiers verbally abused and threatened them but didnt fire. But, on 01st December, 1965 and the 13th December, 1965, EPR jawans again unprovoked fired towards Indian side, claimed the local newspaper, Dainik Jagoran of Belonia. Although, in this connection, to diminish fight with each other unnecessarily and reduce tensions, sector commanders of both sides met each other at Belonia Dak-bungalow on 13th February, 1966; but in vain, it was gone futile, when on 24th November, 1966, Pakistan again fired towards the Belonia town without any cause. But, this time Indian soldiers returned the same. In this context, both sides arranged a flag meeting on 01st December, 1966, but in that meeting no solution came out. Though, on 13th December, 1966, Pakistan soldiers again fired hundreds and hundreds round towards Indian aforesaid IBT, Belonia from evening to next day early morning. Most important things were that earlier the Pakistani soldiers targeted the Muhuri River island and Kalinagar areas of the said town but, this time they had targeted the Giridhari-tilla areas of the said IBT, Belonia. As a result of this, a overhead water tank of Belonia Dak-bungalow was badly hit and damaged by the Pakistani bullets, which was published in various newspapers (like Jugantor, Amrita Bazar Patrika, Ananda Bazar Patrika, etcetera) of Indian West Bengal State, stated retired teacher-cum-writer, Haribhushan Pal. The aforesaid incidents did not stop here; it was continued during the years 1967, 1968 in the Muhuri River Char areas continuously. Indeed, in the year-1968, 02-numbers of cattle dead by bullet fire of EPR soldiers again, when Indian farmers of the said Belonia town had gone for cultivation on that particular Muhuri river island with their cattle. Meanwhile, Liberation Movement was started every nook and corner in East Pakistan. Pakistan became puzzled and concentrated their entire focus into the law and order situations of the inside their (East Pakistan) country as well as the India-East Pakistan international boundary areas. But, it became useless, and with the help of Indian Army ultimately East Pakistan lost the battle with India and Bangladesh got independent on 16th December, 1971. Notwithstanding that, after the Liberation War, 1971, interestingly in the context of Muhuri River Charland, aforesaid similar allegations (that India is planning to take out water from Muhuri river for agricultural purposes, specially, irrigation projects in return of tenacity the erosion dilemma in our Bangladesh side of this international bordering river. Not only is that India builds dam to take advantage from the security point of view also, which has threatened for us) were once again made or raised by Bangladesh Government. Surprisingly, newly made nation Bangladesh (who got or achieved her independent with the extensive support of India) even, put a bar on the aforesaid Indian dam projects or construction of spurs on the bank of the Muhuri river. Subsequently, when it created a bitter relation between the aforesaid two nations at that time socio-political scientists advised both sides that aforesaid two nations must sit together, discussed the matter seriously and to decide to solve the problem as per deed Indira-Muijib Agreement, 16th May, 1974.

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But, uselessly, ultimately, Bangladesh preferred the same path, which already took the East Pakistan of Pakistan in earlier. After the Indira-Mujib Treaty of 1974, the Bangladesh Government once again tried to start the international boundary crisis between the two nations in a new way. Perhaps with the provocation and dominance (of a section of general peoples, socio-political observers, bureaucrats, forces and officials in their nation, Bangladesh, who not only likes Pakistan but also believe in radicalism) of earlier West Pakistan (presently, Pakistan). Astonishingly, Bangladesh even, immediately reacted on the issue, informed and warned India, If India did this (that is, make a long spur on the bank of the river, Muhuri, except the portion of international border areas), then it would be a gross violation of Indira-Mujib Treaty of 1974, which in course of time or later ultimately became a bone of contention between the said two states. Though, in this context, afterward, a joint river commission meeting of both aforesaid neighbouring countries was held, where it had been decided that none of the nations could build or repair (long) spur or embankment on the aforesaid river, stated one of the activist of Indian national political party Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). But, Bangladesh never stopped its blaming towards India. Government of Bangladesh claimed, There was a massive and advanced dam (about 04-kilometres upstream from the estuary for irrigation use and around 20numbers of vent control-device has also been made because of control the influx of saline water during the high flood situation along with the said dam) built by India in Bonkar-ghat area (near IBPN-2159/3-S) of the Subdivision headquarters of Belonia Town (Indian side) and as a result of this, this became a threat to Bangladesh from the security and environmentally points of view. Thus, though during monsoon, the flood water of the said river couldnt affect much disaster on the Indian side but it created havoc in the Bangladesh side. Notwithstanding that in future and today still, this above river has been swallowed up a vast area of our Feni district and created huge sand made islands above the international boundary. Result : Indian gains enormous land areas in the above international border (Indian portion). And for this reason, it has become one of the chief causes of dispute between the two nations in connection with the said international border. But, Government of India (at that time) totally declared it null and void and replied, It was just a dyke to save the town Belonia from the clutches/hands of massive erosion and nothing else. Even, it had no connection from security point of view. When the two nations were busy with this burning issue, at that time, the experts and the observers stated, In point of fact, the topography also makes huge troubles in few sectors in the above international boundary. For an example, the Belonia Sub-division is one of them, which has become a frequent flash-point between the above two sides. Reason : the aforesaid Muhuri river always keeps changing its own course, which ultimately makes a vast river-islands that above both countries claimed time-to-time, which ultimately leads to international boundary conflicts or made a repeated flash-point between the above two states. Not only that the particular stream of the Muhuri river (which is also navigable throughout the seasons by petite Naouka [that is, boat]s that carries 03-tonnes to 04-tonnes burden (in rainy season) and around 01-tonne to 02-tonnes burden (in spring season or dry season) up to various places of adjoining Chittagong district), is become a line of contention of both aforementioned nations. Though, after the year, 2000, the peoples of both sides cross and re-crossed the said International Riverine Border (IRB) of International Border River (IBR) Muhuri on foot, with their cattle, vegetables and other day-to-day useable utensils. Indeed, the international boundary of above two states as per IndiraMujib agreement is defined as the mid of the river. However, prior to 1975, the Government of India made an impervious Spur (Bangladesh called it as a Dam or Embankment) on the river, which has 150-metres to 200-metres (according to the local people) width to save the Belonia town from the erosion caused by the abovementioned river. It is a fact that during rainy season, when river flows from upper stretch (that is, Lusai Hills of Tripura) to lower stretch (that is, Feni district) and lastly falls into the BOBS, it creates massive erosion and this in turn creates every now and then great disasters for the peoples of the above two nations, whose peoples reside on the bank of the aforesaid river. For this reason, when Government of India took a decision to make a spur on the Indian side to check the erosion and save Belonia town, at that time the then Government of Pakistan (that is, erstwhile East Pakistan) put an objection to it. However, India has her control over a few portions of Char (that is, River Island)s, which have formed due to heavy sedimentation of the lower course of the aforesaid river (that falls into this particular international border areas), while the others few portions of these islands of the said river are in the control of Bangladesh Government. On the other hand, the researchers claimed, The Muhuri river stands as the symbol of peace among the two neighbouring states. Even, peoples of both sides keep friendly relations with one other and travel in both the lands habitually in spite of what the (political and non-political) leaders think. Over and above, this river plays the role of harmony and becomes the history of aid and amity for the help of the Indian citizens offered during the Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971 (that is, Bangladesh crisis with former East Pakistan of Pakistan State). Look, Muhuri river-island always a sensitive place and issue, whether in past or in present, both side claiming still. The two countries (means India and Bangladesh) during the regime of East Pakistan and now in the time of Bangladesh always fight with each other. Though, it is now used to do for us, our relations in both sides as usual like earlier, nothing changed. Yes, it is fact that earlier, both sides farmers were ready or intended to increase

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the production of rice of the said island and that is why, they wanted to sow seed-paddy or to cultivate paddy or to grow their paddy production but later it had been seen that the wasteland fed by Muhuri river produce various types of vegetables and sugarcanes by the Indian peasants, which is not done now, disclosed sexagenarian cultivator, Muhammad Amanulla, who resided at the IBV Nijkalikapur. Today, this particular contentious issue yet remains to be demarcated. The nature of the river has made it difficult for the two neighbouring sides to reach in a one point or a pact. But, the Indian political observers and the masters denied the above facts and believed, The history of flare-ups between the two neighbouring states took place at this particular point always over the issue of a strip of land rising out of the bed of the aforementioned river and its possession, which showed that it had been dictated by the internal politics of the Bangladesh that created by the countrys (opportunist) political parties and their political masters. Because, the records showed that whenever Bangladesh goes through a massive crisis (specially political, social, economical, religious fundamental and others internal), at that time the tension, turmoil and even clash have been intensified in the said particular disputed areas of the said international boundary. However, in these matter Indian experts even, conceded, The above fact is cent percent true, if anyone gone through the history of these above particular all disputed areas. It can be mentioned here that earlier several clashes had been occurred between the aforementioned two states and both the nations claimed to ownership of this river island, which provoked gunfire in the years between 1964, 1965, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999. According to the records of the Home Ministry, Government of India showed, In the year 1975, in Bangladesh, there was a radical breakout, which occurred in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka on 07th November, 1975, after 15th August, 1975, the father of nation of Bangladesh, popularly known as Bango Bandhu (means Friend of Bengal), Sheikh Mujibar Rahaman, with his children (except daughters Sheikh Hasina Wazed and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, who were on a goodwill tour or visiting at that time in Europe continent [specially at the capital of former West Germany State, Bonn], with Hasinas husband, Late M. A. Wazed Mianh, who was a nuclear scientist-cum-researcher at a laboratory), were virtually assassinated by Bangladesh Military coup, led by Major General Khaled Mosharraf and his associates. Later, after overthrew the government, imposed Martial Law (that is, Military dominated civilian regime). On 03rd November, 1975, though, he was also himself killed in a counter military coup just after 04-days later 07th November, 1975, which installed General Zia-ur-Rahaman of Bangladesh Army in power) after 18-months of the Agreement signed between the then PMI, Mrs. Indira Gandhi and the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh (PMB), Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 16th May, 1974. Not only that while in this connection, professor of University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Gyasuddin Molla wrote, After that the constitutional arrangement of totalitarian control was soon replaced by an army coup spearheaded by a few dissatisfied army officers of Bangladesh. Not only were that, subsequently a series of military coups happened in Bangladesh. On 03rd November, 1975, the second army coup was happened, while the third military coup was happed on 07th November, 1975. Though the second military coup was occurred/happened with the help of a cross-section of pro-former United States of Soviet Russia (that is, Russia) activists but the third one designed by the pro-China activists, who practically instigated soldiers to revolt against the leaders of second coup to free the nation from the domination of Indo-Russia axis. He further mentioned in his write up/articles, The fighters at Dhaka cantonment at the capital Dhaka most of whom were radicalised during the War of Liberation, 1971 and afterward, became affiliated to Biplobi Gono Bahini (that is, Revolutionary Peoples Army) the military front of pro-Chinese political party Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) revolted and killed Brigadier (who soon after Major General) Khaled Musaraff and his associates, and established domination of the nationalist forces under the leadership of Major General Zia-ur-Rahman. It can be mentioned here that it is fact that the radicalized armed forces in Bangladesh became very much prone to state power and they attempted at least 19-numbers of counter coups during the regime of Zia-ur-Rahman at seizure of power since the killing of Sheikh Mujibar Rahaman. The coup saga didnt stop here, it further started politicised army officers prompted some rebel officers to stage a failed coup to seize political power on 30th May, 1981, which led to the assassination of military President Zia-ur-Rahman. At that time, the military coup was put down and the rebel officers were killed by a counter move, but again it began in 24th March, 1982, when General Hussain Muhammad Ershad took over in a bloodless military coup and forced the countrys president Abdus Sattar to quit and hand over power at gunpoint. In a word, particularly, in the year 1975 and even, during 1975 to 1982, the political situations of Bangladesh became worsens. Therefore, to divert the above go-wild issue inside Bangladesh, BGB after the instruction of Bangladesh Government, frequently opened fired upon the Indian peasants, who were working in their around 08-hectares land of Muhuri River Island. Later, to sort out the vexed problem, the talks between the aforesaid two nations were held on 11th November, 1976. The officers and the representatives of both side frontier forces (BDR & BSFI) talked at district headquarter Comilla of Bangladesh. But, unfortunately no positive solutions came out from this first round of talks. Both sides blamed each other unnecessarily. Specially, Bangladesh accused India that India constructed 09-numbers of spurs for deflecting the course of the said river, which allegations India had strongly objected and refuted. In this connection, once again, on 19th November, 1976, second round of talks was held at the capital of Bangladesh,

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Dhaka. But in vain, 0n 20th November, 1976, after the International Joint Rivers Commission (IJRC) India Bangladesh International Joint Rivers Commission (IBIJRC) at Dhaka, a committee was formed for the above river, which will look after everything of the Muhuri River Island related issues. The issue wasnt stop here; once again it had become worsen, when BDR once again fired upon the Indian villagers of Muhuri River Char-land on 22nd November, 1976 at around 07.20 am. But, the vehement exercise of the Bangladesh Defence Force (BDF) personnel made the situation more complicated. Again to neutralize the situation, around 06-members of delegation of Bangladesh came to India on 12th December, 1976 to discuss about the above burning issue. But, once again, the talks became failed to come to a conclusion from both sides. However, the Bangladesh surprisingly asked India and demanded that entire the Muhuri River Island areas should be made a No Mans Land and there should be provision for both side joint patrolling on the Indian side by the BSFI and BDR, which India saw an indirect means or method or approach of inducing a alter of above 1974 pact. Seeing that, India later ultimately rejected the said proposal of Bangladesh, but did a small pact that both side agreed to maintain normalcy of that char-land area. In this context it can be noted here that, at that time, that is, in the year 1976, Bangladesh was passing a serious socio-political crisis. Martial Law was going on into the state and as a result of that the Bangladesh Military bands all trade union parties of Bangladesh and public was unable desire their protests and all that. Look, Muhurir Char-land, the place is significantly known as Belonia in Bangladesh too, like Indian side. With the course of time, the river diverged about 01 (one) kilometer from the old position, thereby rise of Muhurir Island took place. It occurred only as Indian Government moved-away the stream of water by making numbers of spurs at upstream of the said river. Though, little bit, the situation was clam and quite till 1978, but just after in the year, 1978, the Indian peoples began illegally claiming the land of island as their own land. Since then there were several confrontations of exchanging fire for 08-numbers of time for around 53-numbers of day, told officials of the BDR. After that in February, 1977, there was a flag meeting held between the Wing Commander of BDR and Commandant of BSFI of the aforesaid two nations, where wing commander of BDR again raised an strong objection to the cultivation of the above-noted Muhuri river char-land by the Indian farmers, disputing the existing course of the river as boundary and requested BSFI to prevent Indian nationals from the governments of both the countries and maintain the boundary as per the Indo-Bangla pact-1974. And there were no disputed areas in this particular sector and if there were claims and counter claims, they could at best to treat as adverse possession. In June, 1978, in meeting between the Deputy Commissioner of Noakhali and District magistrate of South Tripura, the same issue of cultivation of char-land was again raised by the DC Noakhali where in the requested the Indian side not use char-land by Indian nationals since appropriate authorized of both the governments had not demarcated the concerned area. In reply, d m South Tripura pointed out that the agreement between governments of two countries regarding the demarcation has clearly indicated that border in Muhuri river should has be along the mid stream of the said river at the clear that the char being on our side of the river, it is clear that is clear that the char is under Indian terriroty though, demarcation was not done. District Magistrate South Tripura had made it clear as the land was under possession of Indian Jotedar and they had also been paying land revenue, they could not be refrained from cultivating their own land. On the other hand, secretary level talks between two countries were held at New Delhi from 13th December, 1979 to 15th December, 1979, in which agreement relating to the Muhuri river land between BSFI and BDR as under : a) These agreements will remain in the force till the end of Muhuri river of march, 1980. b) No harvesting or cultivation will be permitted on the abovementioned char-land of the said river between IBPN-2159/3-s to 2159/48s. Limited access will, however be permitted for customary usage be both sides but not for cultivation or grazing, c) A telephone line may be installed between the local Commanders of BSFI (Belonia IBOP) and the BDR (Nizkalikapur IBOP), d) If there is any instruction, individual or collective, that is, their local commander will get in touch immediately with his opposite number. Arrangement for a flag meeting and the settle the matter for this removal, e) Any construction made within 150-yards (that is, 137-metres) of the aforesaid international border line and any defence construction on made after 01st September, 1979 should be demolished by both sides by 15th January, 1980, f) works within the preview of the JRC and boundary demarcation will be permitted, g) Such International Observation Post (IOP)s as many necessary may be erected by the BSFI and the BDR by mutual consultation, h) Joint inspection, as frequently as considered necessary by representative of the BDR and the BSFI should be conducted to ensure the implementation of these agreements, i) BSFI and the BDR are authorized to prevent any violation. It was agreed that both sides should be responsible for enforcing these arrangements. Each force will provide assistance to the other to remove nationals of the other, who may be found in violation of the arrangements and j) willing and prompt co-operation for the above purpose should be extended by the BSFI and BDR to each other. Both will otherwise restrain and desist from firing. The above agreement was not signed by the Director General (DG)s of both sides but, it was remained verbal and mutual discussion. But, it didnt worked last long, according to the records, showed that once again, BDR fired on Indian peasants, who were working on the char-land without any reasons on 01st November, 1979, at about 16:15 pm. Not only that similarly it had repeated by the Bangladesh on 12th November, 1979, which was the first major incident of firing took place between the two states particular abovementioned that point. Meanwhile, in this matter,

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in Indian Parliament, the then Indian Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation, Brahma Prakash informed (that is, gave a statement at) the house on 20th November, 1979 Bangladesh fired upon Indian cultivators without any causes, just before the 21st November, 1979, on which day, a meeting was held at the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, on account of a discussion on the subject of IBIJRC. But, to defuse the tension in the aforesaid international border, a flag meeting was again held between Deputy Inspector General (DIG), BSFI and sector commander level at Sibir Bazar in which no decision could be taken as BDR continued claimed the char-land in their territory. On the said day, following the flag meeting, Bangladeshi nationals for the first time entered into above char-land with a view to harvest the standing crops and thereby made claim on char-land. At that time, the Indian para-military frontier force duly warned Bangladeshi nationals to leave char-land forthwith and their failing to do so. BSFI fired two rounds to scare away the illegal Bangladeshi intruders. And since then numbers of attempt had been made by Bangladeshi nationals to enter into the char-land and to harvest the standing crops. However, due to harvest the crops and had to return Bangladesh. But, regrettably, meanwhile, BDR started war like preparation on their own side by the construction of embankment bunkers and trenches. The BDR authorities also evacuated families of the civil officials, who were at the ICP and black out was observed in the Bangladesh side, which is also called Belonia. On 30th November, 1979, when the Indian labourers or workers were engaged into the repairmen work of the Indian embankment, immediately at that time, the Subadar (that is, Senior Warrant Officer) of BDR raised a strong objection on the said work and asked the Indian workers to stop the said work immediately. But, when the Indian workers neither pay any heed to it nor stop their work, afterward BDR fired on Indian workers or towards Indian side indiscriminately, which was continued for 04-hours. Not only that again similarly without any causes, the firing incidents had also occurred by the BDR soldiers again on 06th December, 1979. But, to end this crisis, both sides arranged a meeting at International Border Check Post (IBCP) at Belonia, where the Deputy Collector or Deputy Commissioner (DC) of South Tripura District of Tripura State of India and the DC of Noakhali district of Bangladesh attended and discussed the said issue. Ultimately no proper solutions were come out in that connection. However, it is true that at that time, Bangladesh was passing through an extreme political crisis. Once again for this particular issue, it had been escalated on 08th January, 1980, when Bangladesh fired upon Indian cultivators without any objections and subsequently in this context, in February, 1980, another talk was held at Dhaka in secretary level, but no proper solution came out between the both sides. But, when the then Indian Minister of External Affairs, P. V. Narashima Rao visited the Bangladesh on 16th August, 1980 to 18th August, 1980, at that time it was decided that the two nations will met each other on October, 1980. Ultimately on the said context, between 15th October, 1980 and 16th October, 1980, a high level meeting was also held between the said two states at Delhi, the capital of India, on the situation of Muhuri Char-land, including others Indo-Bangla crucial matters and tried to implement Indira-Mujib Accord, 1974, to solve the issue amicably. But, during the 02-days to 03-days official discussions between the said two states at Delhi on October, 1980, it was decided that both side maintain status quo till the entire areas of the said river island more survey would complete and within 02-years, both the countries would complete the proper demarcation of above international boundary as per aforesaid pact. But in vain, once again, in the year 1981, Bangladesh fired upon Indian peasants on said char-land areas. It is fact that, when the Indian farmers of Belonia were prevented by the bullets of the BGB from cultivating the aforesaid strip of land, at that time, Bangladesh was mired in serious political crisis. As a result of this, entire sociopolitical system or situation of Bangladesh became jeopardised. Former military ruler of the Bangladesh Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad had taken over power after the assassination of his predecessor Lieutenant General Zia-ur-Rahaman by military coup on 30th May, 1981 and finally sworn-in the chair of president of Bangladesh on 11th December, 1983. However, after a number of (like flag, secretary levels and battalion or company commander levels, etcetera) meetings, the situation on Muhuri river island was as usual, nothing changed. Ultimately again, on 31st July, 1984, at battalion commander level, Major Muhammad Mustafa Ahmed, commanding officer, 27-Battalion (that is, BN) of BDR agreed that the above matter may be jointly surveyed by the local representative of water development board of Bangladesh and minor irrigation and flood control department of Indian Tripura State Government. In this issue, it was also agreed that the above matter doesnt merit in nature within the competency of the local officials of the both sides. Accordingly, meeting of local committee of International Joint River Commission (IJRC) was held at Belonia in August, 1984, between chief engineer of Minor Irrigation & Flood Control (MIFC), Tripura State and executive engineer (Bangladesh Water Development division), Noakhali district, where they had been agreed to cut a drainage channel along their land up to Kata-Muhuri (which is a rivulet of Muhuri river and comes from Parshuram [Bangladesh] and flows toward Amzadnagar [India] and after touches the area Amzadnagar, this particular rivulet again enters into Bangladesh) to avoid drainage problem in their country. Bangladesh further agreed in this above occasion, to take up the matter with their higher authorities so that BDR do not create problem, when we execute work in Indian side. In the same way, in the year, 1985, when the relation between aforesaid two neighbouring states had nosedived extremely or to an all time low at that time, the firing between two nations on the said spot was held in

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connection with cultivation at Muhuri char-land as well as the revetment work of Indian embankment. At that time, even, heavy mortar shells were used during clash, which continued more than 72-hours round the clock. Because, at that time, H. M. Ershads repeated attempt of electoral practices Upazilla Poll (that is, Local Government District) Elections. But, again, on 09th April, 1986, the unprovoked firing was happened into this particular Muhuri River Char area. In this regard, though there was a flag meeting was held between the aforesaid two nations but it also became ineffective. Not only that on 13th April, 1986, when the Indian labourers were making the spur on the said disputed Muhuri River Char Land (MRCL) area, in presence of the Tripura State chief secretary, Dr. Animesh Roy (who was actually supervising the said construction of the spur), at that time suddenly BDR soldiers fired around 04-rounds to 05-rounds towards (Indian) brick loaded truck on the said constructions area. Seeing this, the chief secretary of Tripura stopped the work. Though, in the evening a flag meeting was arranged in this context but no proper solution was come out from the above discussion of both sides, asserted one of the officials of the Indian Tripura State Police Force (ITSPF). Apart from this, like in the mid-eighties, that is, in the year-1986, the Bangladesh Parliamentary Election (that is, General Election, which was held on 07th May, 1986) as well as the Presidential Election (which was held on 15th October, 1986), were held in Bangladesh. Due to these elections, socio-political instability, like several deaths, uncountable injuries, kidnapping, killing and tortures were occurred into the said state. For instance : (that is, in between 30th April, 1986 to 01st May, 1986), there was a huge chunk of (around 54,500-numbers to 65,000numbers, according to the various international organizations) Bangladeshi Chakma Tribe refugees came from or entered into Indian territory from Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh (specially, Chittagong, Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati districts of Bangladesh) after the conflicts were took place between ethnic Chakma Tribe and the Bengali speaking Muslim peoples, who were even, attacked, tortured and by force push them into India after grab their lands and landed properties. And the Government of India was pressurising the Government of Bangladesh led by General H. M. Ershad to solve the refugee problem or crisis, as soon as possible, which as a result of this, Belonia witnessed the most severe exchange of firing between the two border guards of the above two nations in this particular point. However, on 04th April, 1988, at the Agartala, the meeting was held between IG BSFI (who is in-charge of Indian Tripura and Mizoram States and Cachar district of Assam State) and the BDR DG, where DIG BSFI of South Tripura district raised a various issues of Muhuri river char-land and the illegal activities of the Bangladeshi nationals as well as the role of BDR. Not only that BSFI DIG explained the ground situation and the position of the said char-land areas to the Deputy Director General (DDG) BDR. During the meeting DG BDR assured that peaceful atmosphere would be maintained in Muhuri char area and he further assured that no Bangladeshi nationals and the criminals will be permitted to commit any crime such as steel or remove bricks crates from Muhuri river. However, on 14th July, 1989, while Indian nationals were ploughing in aforesaid char-land, suddenly BDR patrol party from across the above river verbally protested and asked the Indian farmers to leave the land immediately. On 17th August, 1989, at about 09:30-hours, while a BSFI patrol party was on routine patrolling duty at the char-land area at that time once again the BDR patrol party with using the provocative languages protested and warned the BSFI, not to patrol on the said controversial place at all. Not only was that BDR objecting to even cultivation works of Indian farmers and leave the place immediately. After that both sides held company commander level flag meeting in this context. But, on 19th August, 1989, BSFI company commander strongly protested against the illegal trespassing and attempt to wrest stones and bricks from Muhuri river and its adjoining areas by the Bangladeshi nationals and use of provocative language by BDR soldiers during patrols. In this connection, BDR company commander assured that he would instruct Bangladeshi nationals no to enter into Indian territory and also apologized for the action of his patrol party. But, when in between 22nd August, 1989 to 25th August, 1989, at Guwahati, the capital of Indian State, Assam, the talks between IG (who is in-charge of Indian Tripura and Mizoram States and Cachar district of Assam State) BSFI and DDG BDR was held, where IG BSFI mentioned and raised the point regarding obstruction made by BDR during harvesting by Indian peasants in their own Indian side, at that time DDG of BDR assured that he would issue suitable instructions to his field commander on the subject to maintain status quo. Although, on 31st August, 1989, again commandant level flag meeting was held between 55-BN) of BSFI Commandant and the 28 BN of BDR, where BSFI clearly said that Indian cultivators get full right to cultivate their lands on Indian side of Muhuri river. On 28th May, 1991, BDR Company commandant lodged a protest stating Muhuri river char-land shouldnt be cultivated and not to graze cattle by the Indian peoples. In this context, Company Commander of Belonia replied that as per pact, 1974, which had been held between the two respective nations, where it had been clearly decided that mid stream of the said river was considered as the working international boundary. Not only that the charlands, which were being cultivated by the Indian farmers, fell well inside Indian territory and the Indian nationals had full right to harvest or cultivate their char-land and grazing of their cattle. But, when on 01st June, 1991, commandant level flag meeting was held between 08-BNof BSFI and the 28 BN of BDR, commandant BSFI raised point regarding the objection of cultivation and grazing cattle in above river

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char-land areas being raised by BDR. BDR commander had expressed that a certain portion of Muhuri river charland was disputed and grazing of cattle and cultivation should not be allowed or permitted as per secretary level talks between the aforesaid two nations at Delhi, which had been held with-effective-from (w.e.f.) 13th December, 1979 to 15th December, 1979. However, in between 27th July, 1991 to 28th July, 1991, Bangladeshi nationals illegally entered into Muhuri char-land areas on Indian side and destroyed the bamboos fence constructed by the Indian cultivators around their paddy fields in the aforesaid Muhuri river char-land areas. Immediately, BSFI Company Commander of Belonia lodged a strong protest against the nefarious activities of Bangladeshi nationals. But, after few days later, that is, on 03rd August, 1991, Company Commander level flag meeting was held, where BDR Company Commander raised points regarding grazing of cattle, cultivation, erection of Watch Tower (WT) and bamboo fencing around the paddy field in the said river char-land areas by the Indian nationals. In this context, the BSFI replied that Muhuri char-land is the integral part of India and as far as others abovementioned reasons were concerned, it had been done to protect the corps from grazing by Bangladeshi cattle and nothing else. On 03rd January, 1992, a joint survey team of India and Bangladesh inspected the Muhuri river char-land areas and held a discussion at Belonia Dak Bunglow of Belonia town of South Tripura district. But, the said joint inspection team of both sides never submitted or handed over a copy of survey of Muhuri river char-land to the BSFI. Again the activity of cultivation was again started w.e.f. 22nd November, 1993, and when large number of Indian cultivators with the help of tractors and power-tillers cultivated their lands, at that time, BDR Company Commander asked BSFI Company Commander to stop the cultivation works and remove the tractors and powertillers from the said char-land areas immediately. But, the BSFI didnt pay any heed to it and refuted the BDRs socalled warning and told the Indian nationals to continue their as usual cultivation works in their respective paddy fields up to the international working boundary line (which is actually the mid-stream of course of Muhuri river). Ultimately, the Indian farmers were continued their cultivation works at that time. But, most awful thing was that the incidents of firing between the said two nations for the above cause did not stop. It was started again on 26th November, 1993, at 07:00-am. The sudden unprovoked firing by the BDR Sepoy (that is, personnel)s was happened on the same spot of Muhuri river char-land on the Indian farmers, when the farmers had been working on their said cultivable lands since 06:30-am by the three numbers of power-tillers. The BDR also announced on loud speakers to stop the cultivation works immediately, but the cultivation works was going on because the Indian cultivators were undeterred and did not pay nay heed to the activities of BDR soldiers. But, the BDR time to time, fired not only on Indian farmers with the help of small arms Light Machine Gun (LMG)s, Heavy Machine Gun (HMG)s but also on Indian BSFI troops at IBOP, Belonia. As a result one Indian cultivator and a school child got severe injured. Though, the intermittent firing of BDR continued till 28th November, 1993, but, on 28th November, 1993, a power-tiller of Indian farmers was damaged due to fire of BDR soldiers and simultaneously made new defences like bunkers, trenches, and the others things all along the Muhuri river bund. In this context, a number of protest notes were lodged and a commandant level flag meetings and talks were also held on 29th November, 1993 from 12:30-hours to 16:30-hours, but unfortunately the matter was not solved and the stalemate continued. On 30th November, 1993, the Indian Tripura State Revenue Minister, Samar Chowdhury visited Dak Bunglow of Belonia town and was briefed by the DIG BSFI Tripura (South Tripura District) in details about the sequence of events and actions of BSFI and convened his decision that no Indian cultivation works to be done till the populaces of Bangladesh side (who had vacated their respective IBV, Nijkalikapur), returned. It is fact that after that no firing incidents were happened on that time. However, on 05th December, 1993, again BDR soldiers fired with LMGs, HMGs and others automatic rifles towards Indian side of Muhuri river char-land areas time-to-time (at around 13:00-hours, 13:15-hours, 13:30-hours and 13:45-hours). Indian BSFI again lodged a strong protest to the Commanding officer 0f 07-Rifles BN of BDR; though the Indian farmers didnt stop their cultivation works in their Muhuri char-land areas. Seeing this, on their side, BDR soldiers again fortification their defences through built trenches, bunkers, etcetera all along the embankment of the Muhuri river. Not only that BDR made over head protection of one of the bunkers within the around 75-yards of mid-stream of the said river, opposite to the char-land of the Indian side. A strong protest was though lodged at Company Commander level and also at Battalion Commander level by the BSFI. But, alas, BDR started firing on 15th December, 1993, towards Indian cultivators on the said place without any grounds. Later BDR claimed a concocted and fabricated things that they had fired on Indian nationals to cover their protest note that BSFI had fired on their IBOPs Nijkalikapur and Mazumdarhat, which were refuted by the BSFI. Not only that in the same way, on 07th January, 1994, Indian growers faced the hundreds of bullets of BDR on the above Muhuri river char-land during cultivation, and it was repeated again by the BDR men on 09th January, 1994, without any causes towards Indian growers, who were engaged to sow their paddy-seeds on the said island of river, Muhuri. But, in this connection, during 10th January, 1994 to 14th January, 1994, DG level talks between the BSFI and the BDR were held in the capital of India, New Delhi and discussed the above firing incidents issues with others Indo-Bangla international border related subjects like repair and maintenance of international boundary

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pillars, international cross-border movements, international illegal immigration of Bangladeshis into India, international trans-border crimes and repatriation of refugees (specially, Chakma Tribe from India to Bangladesh). But, unfortunately, on 15th January, 1994, suddenly at around 09:55-am the BDR troops of IBOPs Nijkalikapur and Mazumdarhat fired with LMGs, HMGs and others automatic weapons aiming towards the Indian BSFI a troop (which was deployed at Belonia IBOP) as well as the Indian International Custom Post (ICP) near IBPN-2160, without any provocation. As a result of that two innocent Indian civilians namely Sajal Deb (son of Shakti Ranjan Deb) and Alok Dutta (son of Ajit Dutta) had got severe bullet injury, who had ultimately shifted and admitted to the hospital of Agartala. However, on 12th July, 1994, when the Indian cultivators again cultivating their own cultivable lands like others days as usual, near the IBOP, Belonia, the troops of BDR IBOP, Nijkalikapur raised objection on the activities of the said farmers and later it was stopped immediately. Later, the above issue was discussed in the Sector Commander level flag meetings, which was held on 25th July, 1994, and it was decided of both sides that no new cultivation will be undertaken and status quo be maintained. Further, during 09th November, 1994 to 12th November, 1994, the talks were held between the two nations at Dhaka on the DG level on the aforesaid subjects. Most astonishing fact is that, like every year, on 25th June, 1995, when the Indian workers were busy to repair of Indian aforesaid spur in Indian side, the Bangladeshi force, BDR fired towards them, without any justifications and it continued up to next day, that is, 26th June, 1995, but this time on Indian planters, who were working in the Muhuri river-island. Nevertheless, Not only for Hussain Muhammad Ershad and Begum Khaleda Zia, even, for BDR, Muhuri river was in earlier (and even, presently) one of the key issues of any (whether parliamentary or district level) election of Bangladesh. During time of aforesaid Bangladesh elections, the posters, banners, placards, etcetera were written in the name of Muhuri river, like in this way Talpatti Ar Muhurir Char, Bangladesher Buker Panjor (that is, Talpatti Island and Muhuri River Island are the ribs of the chest of Bangladesh). Not only that there were more these kinds of writes up, like Ershad Jodi Vote Chao, Muhurir Char Dakhal Nao, (that is, Ershad, if you want vote then you must take over possession on Muhuri river island) also existed or present in various places of Bangladesh as well as Indo-Bangla international bordering areas of IBT, Belonia, stated one of the local businessman of Bangladesh Ajoy Sarker, who heard the same from his grand-mother, when he was student. Also in the year 1999, when Bangladesh was going to arrange civil elections. Indeed, during the period of Sheikh Hasian led Bangladesh Government (23rd June, 1996 to 15th July, 2001), the main opposition political party of Bangladesh Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allied party like Pan-Islamic religious support based political party, Jamat-e-Islami Bangladesh (JEIB), led by former PM of Bangladesh-Begum Khaleda Zia, former president of Bangladesh Hussain Muhammad Ershad led political party, Jatio Party (JP) and Ameer Allama Mufti Fazlul Haque Amini led Islami Oikyo Jote (IOJ), which is also the supporter of Pan Islamic Religious Fundamental Militant Group (PIRFMG) like Taliban, created massive chaos in social, economical and political spheres of Bangladesh through various numbers of Bandh, Hartal, blockade, boycotted all kind of elections (Bangladesh Parliamentary Election, Local Government Election, etcetera) of Bangladesh (specially in between June, 1999 to August/September, 1999), time-to-time. At that time, the above Belonia was experienced the most unprovoked firing by the BGB, without any cause. The exchange of gunfire started, when the cultivators from both the states of the said international boundary fought over the said islet area between 22nd August, 1999 to 24th August, 1999 (that is, 03numbers of day consecutively). Indeed, like other sector of the said international border, here too, the gun-battles started, when a few Indian cultivators entered into the above disputed (as Bangladesh called it) area and started to fence it to save their agricultural products from the clutches of the Bangladeshi thieves. Seeing that the Bangladeshi peasants armed with spears and meat cleavers tried to push the Indian farmers back on 22nd August, 1999. When they failed to resists the Indian farmers, the BDR started indiscriminately firing towards Indian farmers. Even, next day, that is, 23rd August, 1999, BDR used machine guns and mortar shells on the Indian sides. As a result of that several villagers of both sides had left their houses or places. However, in this conflict, 05-numbers of Indian civilians, including children and 02-numbers of BSFI soldier were seriously injured, while on the other side 13numbers of Bangladeshi nationals and one BGB guard personal were wounded. Later BDR delegation led by its DG, Major General Azizur Rehman and the BSFI delegation led by Inspector General (IG), P. C. Goel (who was the incharge of Indian States, Tripura-Assam (only Cachar District sector)-Mizoram frontier sit together in a flag meeting at above Belonia and agreed to maintain, what they describe as a status quo on the disputed Muhuri river isle, which was subsequently said to the local journalist. Though, the firing incidents had been continuing or happening since the year, 1965 (that is, from time of former East Pakistan period) to later Bangladesh (that is, up to the year 1999) period, but it suddenly stopped after the 24th August, 1999. And after 24th August, 1999, neither Bangladesh nor Indian farmers intended/wished-for to plough in the said so-called disputed fertile Muhuri river char-land areas (particularly, Indian farmers, who were most of the times used the said grounds). Although, in the year, 2001, the political situations of Bangladesh became deteriorated. Meanwhile, on 16th April, 2001, when the illegal intrusion of BGB was happened at Pyrdiwah (Part-II) village in East Khashi Hills district of Eastern Indian State, Meghalaya, at that time maximum high alert was been declared in this particular point. Though, the situation became too tensed in this part of international boundary as the BGB strengthened or

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reinforced their position at the IBVs, which lie just on the India-Bangladesh International Border as well as adjoining aforesaid river-island areas Kalikapur (specially at Kalikapur International Border Out Post, shortly say IBOP), Nijkalikapur (specially at Nijkalikapur IBOP), Mazumdar and Mazumdar Hat and Paroshuram of Feni District of Bangladesh. But, fortunately, the situation remained under control, however, a flag-meeting was held between the aforesaid two international frontier guards of both the nation on 24th April, 2001, and BSFI urged BGB to stop immediate unnecessary hostile perambulation on this particular disputed area. Though, ultimately after the above Pyrdiwah and Boraibari (under Dhubri district of eastern Indian State, Assam) bloody incidents, on 15th July, 2001, the PM of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed stepped down forcibly and handed over power to caretaker Bangladesh Government Latifur Rahaman, who was chief advisor of the said Bangladesh Government. And later, Bangladesh Parliamentary Election was held on 01st October, 2001. Therefore it is clear from the above reasons or proved that whenever (in Bangladesh) there is any one of the abovementioned crisis were arisen or whenever the political dilemma or the political parities need to whip up antiIndian sentiment, mostly just before general election or parliamentary election of Bangladesh, the dispute over either the abovementioned disputed areas or Muhuri River Island took a turn for the worse. Because, it is fact that anti-Indian issues all the time remain a popular agenda in the election periods of Bangladesh. With astute timing and political insight, the political party and their leaders (specially, Begum Khaleda Zia led BNP, General Hussein Muhammad Ershad led BJP, Allama Mufti Fazlul Haque Amini led IOJ and Jamat-e-Islami, etcetera) 0f the said nation had have exploited the Muhuri River Char-land issue given one of the break. Not only that it was also observed that when general election is just round the corner, a fresh flare up is anticipated in the aforesaid Muhuri River Char-land areas, because, the district headquarter, Feni electoral constituency is just around 15-kilometres to 18-kilometres away from the spot Muhuri River Island, which is the constituency of BNP chief Begum Zia, who is the always Prime Ministerial candidate and who even, for all time accused Prime Minster (PM) of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina of a policy of subservience to India. Supporting the fact, in the year, 2001, one of the Sub-Divisional officials of South Tripura District, Belonia D. C. Roy revealed and pointed out, The whole Muhuri River Island was always considered as completely protected area during the general election of Bangladesh. At that time, Indian farmers were not allowing to cultivate the aforesaid land for their safety and security from the bullets of BGB. As the said part is the electoral constituency of Begum Khaleda Zia, who and whose party always ready to attempt to create some chaos in national and international levels to gain in the (before) election of Bangladesh or to get mileage among her supporters, including to attract the international attentions. Therefore, in this matter, our frontier guard personnel also instructed to exercise self-control in the face of BGBs provocative or instigative attitudes or behaviours. But, interestingly, in the context of India Bangladesh International Land Border (ILB) issues, Brigadier General Abdus Salam Chowdhury, NDC, who was in the post of Deputy Director General of former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), an organisation of Bangladesh Para Military Force (BPMF) and in the post of the commissioned in the East Bengal Regiment (EBR) in November, 1975, blamed and said, Firstly : It is a forcible occupation by the Indian Forces or you may say that illegal infiltration of the Indians in Muhurir Char of Bangladesh, Secondly : India built a dam or barrage on the said river with a view to supply irrigation facilities to Tripura State, as a result, the said river changed its course as well as the path from its existing original normal flow, which caused severe damage to the irrigation of Bangladesh because of deficiency of water. Not only that the creation of such huge infrastructures (that is, River Island, which is locally called Char) also caused loss of valuable soils of Bangladesh and Thirdly : India clearly violates the rules or norms of the International River Law, which is their designs or tendency of wicked dominance. Whatever might be the causes, it was fact, Either due to lack of clarity about the said international boundary or not proper demarcation of the said international border between the above two countries, the above disputed international lands and rivers or maritime areas had been arisen since 1947. As a result of that specially after 1971, sometimes, a section of Bangladeshi nationals entered into the Indian territory after crossing the said international border by mistake and their percentage is very few (that is, around 20% [percent] to 25% [percent]), while another section (who are involved with illegal migration, trafficking, smuggling, religious fundamental activities, cattle lifting [including anti-social-criminal activities], etcetera) enter into Indian territory either by force or with the evil motives or calculatingly. Result : both classes face the bullets of the BSFI or become the victims of firing by the soldiers of the BSFI. Not only that on the other hand, the death of the Bangladeshi nationals in the hands of the soldiers of the BSFI even, got regular attention in the Bangladesh medias as well as the World Human Rights Commission (WHRC), which ultimately foremost augmented animosity and hatred tendency towards India. While undeniably fact is that in Bangladesh, the anti-BSFI feeling or attitude is so strong, which the issue is continuously raised in each and every bilateral discussions, emphasized a group of Indian bureaucrats. Though, the actual point of contention still between the above two states began from the inception of the abovementioned entire Muhuri River Char-land, which is located at former Sub-division headquarter town Belonia (now becomes district) of South Tripura District of Eastern Indian State, Tripura and its opposite side stands Feni district (that is, earlier Comilla Sector of Noakhali district) of Bangladesh, which falls under Indo-Bangla International Border. But, in a nutshell, perhaps or it is fact that practically core disputed area had spread in two different sectors. One Muhuri river-island and other one Tripura and former Noakhali/Comilla (districts) sector,

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presently Feni and Comilla districts sector of Bangladesh. However, the core issue or focal point of differences between the above two states had been also created because of the creation of the above char area (that is, the portion of so-called Shashaner Char) having probable area 44.870-acres of land due to shifting of the river mostly towards the side of Bangladesh. It perhaps seen that as stated by the CREMs the then left bank of the aforesaid river created the above international border. Hence, with the shifting of the said river, the whole char areas portion should come near to India. According to the Documents of Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh Concerning the Demarcation of the Land Boundary between India and Bangladesh and Related Matters, 16th May, 1974, where it had clearly mentioned in Vide Para 5 of Article - I that Muhuri River (Belonia) Sector. The boundary in this area should be demarcated along the mid-stream of the course of Muhuri River at the time of demarcation. This boundary will be a fixed boundary. The two Governments should raise embankments on their respective sides with a view to stabilising the river in its present course and Vide Para 6 of Article - I that Remaining portion of the Tripura-Noakhali/Comilla Sector. The demarcation in this sector should be completed on the basis of Chakla-Roshanabad Estate Maps of 1892-1894 and the District Settlement Maps of 1915-1918 for areas not covered by the Chakla-Roshanabad Maps and as per Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh Concerning the Demarcation of the Land Boundary between India and Bangladesh and Related Matters, 06th September, 2011, where it had also clearly mentioned in Vide Para I of Article - 2 Article 1 Clause 5 of the 1974 Agreement shall be implemented as follows : Muhuri River (Belonia) sector Boundary in this segment shall be drawn westwards from the existing Boundary Pillar No. 2159/48-S along the agreed line as depicted in the index map prepared jointly till it meets the southern limit of the Burning Ghat as shown in jointly surveyed map of Muhuri river area in 1977-78. Thereafter it shall follow the external limit of the Burning Ghat in South-West direction and then turn northwards along the external limit of the Burning Ghat till it meets the centre of the existing Muhuri River. Thereafter it shall run along the mid stream of the existing Muhuri River up to Boundary Pillar No. 2159/3-S. This boundary shall be the fixed boundary. The two Governments should raise embankments on their respective sides with a view to stabilising the river in its present course as stipulated in the 1974 Agreement. The Parties agree to fencing on zero line in this area. Albeit, in this matter, still no permanent solution come out between the above two respective states. It can be hoped that the above core subject will decide at the highest level of both the governments as soon as possible and the peace will exist in this particular India Bangladesh International Riverine Borders Muhuri River Island sector permanently, which the time will say.
(Author is former Contributor BBC, The Statesman, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Telegraph, Asia Times & Photographer of AP, AFP & PTI Contributor-cum-Photographer of Northeast India /The writer specialises in South Asia & Indian Northeastern States region Affairs)

Continued.. References :

1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Front Page Bharat Bangladesh Simantat Bangladeshir Dwara Kalimurtir Sirashhed by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Purbachal (G. L. P. Publication), Dated 10th November, 1992. Sthayee Basindar Praman-Patra Anuprabeshkarik Bhara diya Haichhe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Purbachal (G. L. P. Publication), Dated 01st December, 1992. Front Page Bharat Birodhi Maulobadi Netar Mrityu Dibaxat Asamar Mantri by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Purbachal (G. L. P. Publication), Dated 09th February, 1993. Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Sankat by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Rongpur, Ajir Batori Group, Dated 26th August, 1995, Axom Chukti, Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Bhabishyat by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Rongpur, Ajir Batori Group, Dated 16th August, 1995, Markin Gabeshakar Dristit Axomar Anuprabesh Part-I by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Rongpur, Ajir Batori Group, Dated 17th August, 1994, Markin Gabeshakar Dristit Axomar Anuprabesh Part-II by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Rongpur, Ajir Batori Group, Dated 24th August, 1994, Axom Chukti, Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Bhabishyat, Markin Gabeshakar Dristit Axomar Anuprabesh, Udang Simanta by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 15th August, 1999, Bharatiya Lokor Dalali Monobhabe Anuprabesh Aru Chorang Beboshayar Mul Karan : BSF by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 06th August, 1994, Religious Conflicts Indescribable Torture By Bangladeshi Political Party & Oppressed Hindu People Fled From Bangladesh To India In Fear Of Death : Incessant Flow of Refugees by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Eastern Panorama, Dated July, 2005, (Page Number 15 to 20).

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10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37.

Opinion A threat To Assam by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated March 31, 2005, (Page Number 16). Bangle Border Crime Picks Steam by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated June 15, 2005, (Page Number 21). Anchalik Bharatiya Bhukhandat Bangladeshir Dapdapani : Charkar Nirbikar : Ashahai Ashanglagna Anchalar Bharatiya Janasadharan by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 23rd April, 2001, Special Article Bangladeshs Poor Indias Woe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated 01st-14th July, 2000, (Page Number 16 to 17). Investigation A Neighbouring Headache by Shib Shankar Chatterjee (And Polu Chatterjee), Cam News Network Today, Dated July, 2005, (Page Number 44 to 50). Infiltration Problem In North East by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Assam Tribune (Editorial Page), Dated 22nd August, 2002, Infiltration : A Grave Threat To Assam by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Assam Tribune (Editorial Page), Dated 01st August, 1998, Voters List Stamp D For Dispute : Reports On The New Voters List In Assam And The Controversy It Has Sparked by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated 29th December, 1997, All Not Quiet On The Eastern Front : The Indo-Bangladesh Border Is a Heaven For Anti socials Besides Spawning Infiltration by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated 18th August, 1997, Cash Ensures Easy Passage To India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated 10th November, 1997, Focus Bangladeshi Infiltrators by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated 15th-31st January, 1998, (Page Number 18). Assam Bursting At The Seams by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Hindustan Times (Northeast Live Page), Dated 14th July, 2001. No-mans land, No Ones Responsibility by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Hindustan Times (Northeast Live Page), Dated 01st July, 2001. Reports Child Jockeys Rescued From Touts Den by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Times Of India, Dated 13th March, 2001. Sailing Into The Smugglers Den by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated 24th November, 1997, Corridor Of Connivance by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 25th June, 1999. Nation Prisoners Moved Out Of Flooded Assam jail by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, New Delhi Tele Vision (NDTV) & NDTV.Com, Dated 17th July, 2004. Nation Rush Of Ghost Voters In Assam polls by Sumon K Chakrabarti with Shib Shankar Chatterjee, CNNIBN & IBN Live.Com, Dated 09th April, 2006. Focus Illegal Border Trade by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated 01st-14th April, 1998, (Page Number 16). News Reaping From Trade Ties With Bangladesh by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated 19th January, 1997, Economy Border Trade : Pipe Dream Or Reality? by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The North East Frontier Magazine, Dated June, 1999, (Page Number 36 to 37). Cover Story Election In International Border : Bangladeshis Give Vote In India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Eastern Panorama, Dated April, 2006, (Page Number 07 to 08). Forecasting A Disaster by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 06th November, 1998. Environment Stripping The Hills : The Sale of Rocks Found In Chandardinga and Rakshasini Hills In Assam May Cause Loss Rather Than Swelling The Governments Treasury by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Rashtriya Sahara, Dated June, 1996, (Page Number 131 to 133). In Search Of Lost Links by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 01st September, 2000, Back On The Rails by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated July 15-31, 2001, (Page Number 18), Bharat-Bangladexar Majat Rail Jugajog by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India Dated 01st September, 2001, (Page Number 15 to 17), Paschimbanglar Tinbigha Aru Ashomar tinbigha Vogdanga-Kuti Gaon Bharatar Ne Bangladeshar? by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India Dated 01st November, 1996, (Page Number 12 to 13),

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38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64.

Markin Gabeshakar Drishtit Axomar Anuprabesh : Udong Simanta Axom Chukti, Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Bhabishyat by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India Dated 01st January, 2000, (Page Number 14 to 18), Axom Bangladesh Simanta Anchalor Sampratik Abastha by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India Dated 16th April, 1996, (Page Number 20 to 23), Bharat Bangladesh Simantar Bitarkito Gaon Boraibari by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India Dated 16th May, 2001, (Page Number 13 to 14), Who Possesses Bhogdanga India or Bangladesh? by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Sentinel, Omega Printers & Publishers Private Limited, Guwahati, Assam State, India Dated 18th November, 1995, (Front Page of Saturday Fare), Neighbour Forsaken Citizens Of Border Village Who Possesses Bhogdanga India or Bangladesh by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Panorama, Shillong, Meghalaya State, India Dated July, 1996, Northeast Dhubri Villagers Fenced Out by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Telegraph, Dated 15th July, 1997, Reports Before Its Too Late : Ominous Clouds Of Insurgency Hover Over North Bengal by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 23rd July, 1999. Facing A Bleak Future by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated 24th November, 1997. Horizon Axe-odus by Shib Shankar Chatterjee The Assam Tribune (Saturday Page), Dated 02nd October, 1999. Missing The Trees by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 20th December, 2002. Analysis What Waterways Can Do by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) Dated 30th November, 2002. Bangladeshat Nam Kata Gol Bangladeshi Kuri Lakhar by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 19th October, 1995, Bangladeshar Voter Talikat Ghati : Dhubrir Simantayedi Anuprobesh Abyahata by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 10th August, 2000, Nimna Ashame Jal Passporter Ramrama Byabsha Jakiye Boshechhe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 01st February, 1994, Varat Bangladesh Simante Bharatiyader Parichaypatra Vara Khatchhe Anuprobeshkarider Kachhe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 23rd January, 1993, Ashome Voter Talika Niye Avijog Paisha Dilei Milchhe Pramanpatra by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 20th December, 1993, Ashomer Vote Banke Fatal Dharay Congress Shankito by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 07th December, 1993, Dhubrir Janashankhya Bridhhi : Sadharan Manush Chintito Ashome Anuprabesh Niye Rajnitir Khela Cholchhe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 10th March, 1993, Sonkhalaghu Sampradayer Manush Shankito : Andolaner Humki Voter Talika Songshadhaner Proshne Ashom Fer Shargaram by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 01st July, 1993, Ashom Sharkar Bideshi Prashne Bishringkhala Bardasto Korbe Na : Saikia by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 16th November, 1993, Bharat Bangladesh Simante Kantarer Bera Nirmane Artho Apachoyer Avijog by Shib Shankar Chatterjee Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 27th October, 1992, Victims Of A Movement by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated October 01-14, 2001, (Page Number 17). Focus Illegal Border Trade by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated April 01-14, 1998, (Page Number 16). All Disquiet in North-East India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 06th November, 2009. Northeast Indian Region Threatened By Illegal Influx by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 14th November, 2009. Millions of Foreigners in India By Illegal Influx by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 24th November, 2009. India Ignores Illegal Migration In Northeast India, People Continue to Suffer by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 13th October, 2009.

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65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92.

An Ugly Attack on Human Rights by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 29th October, 2009. Saga of Devastation in Brahmaputra Valley River Islands : A Story of Vanishing Islands in North East India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 30th November, 2009. Adverse Possessions Cause India-Bangladesh Boundary Disputes by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 28th September, 2011. India-Bangladesh International Border DisputesMuhuri River by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 18th April, 2012. Bangladesh TV, Radio Programmes Famous in India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 24th October, 2009. Bangladeshi Phones for Indian Peoples by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 05th October, 2009. Stolen Bike Engines Used In Bangladeshi Boats by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 16th July, 2011. Illegal Influx Strains Indias Northeast by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 11th December, 2009. This Crisis Seriously Threatens Indias Security And Unity Bangladeshi Deluge Imperils India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 11th January, 2010. Immigrants Jjeopardise Indias Security by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 17th February, 2010. South Asias Trafficking Menace by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 17th March, 2010. River People Struggle In India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 18th March, 2010. Free Riding India's Medical Tourism by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 25th March, 2010. India, Bangladesh Kick Cross-border by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 03rd July, 2010. Ghosts Haunt India-Bangladesh Border by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 01st August, 2010. Indias Unheeded Enclaves Cry Out by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 01st September, 2010. Real-Life Turn To Veer Zara On The Border by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) Dated 08th January, 2007, The possession Of Bhogdanga by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) Dated 11th December, 2004, OPEN FORUM Tragedy Of The Chitmahals by Shib Shankar Chatterjee (The research for this article was conducted under a fellowship of the National Media Exchange Programme of the National Foundation for India) The Statesman (North East Page) Dated 20th September, 2003. Worst Floods In 50 Years by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) Dated 19th July, 2003. Kalapani Mourns But Carries On by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) Dated 03rd May, 2003. Aids Travels By Lorry by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 18th August, 2000. A Mela That Binds by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Extra Page) Dated 06th March, 2010. Pretext Most Foul by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Extra Page) Dated 12th March, 2010. Stranger than fiction by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Extra Page) Dated 13th August, 2010. Still At Large by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 12th August, 2011. Front Page : Divided By Circumstance by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 21st October, 2011. Unabated Illegal Bangladeshi Threat To the Ethnic Identity of Northeast India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Government Online Learning Centre of Internet News Agency, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 29th August, 2011.

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93.
94. 95. 96.

97. 98. 99. 100. 101.

102. 103. 104.

Indian Militant Group Criticized Indo-Bangla Pact by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Government Online Learning Centre of Internet News Agency, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 08th September, 2011. Directorate of Land Records & Survey, Government of Assam State, India & Directorate of Land Records & Survey, Government of West Bengal State, India. Newspaper Clips of India, Bangladesh & The Daily Star Newspaper, Bangladesh. Gazette Papers of Indian Assam State. Documents of Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh Concerning the Demarcation of the Land Boundary between India and Bangladesh and Related Matters, 16th May, 1974. Documents of Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh Concerning the Demarcation of the Land Boundary between India and Bangladesh and Related Matters, 06th September, 2011. Livelihoods On Line At Indian Border BBC News - Subir Bhaumik, Dated 28th June, 2005. Human Cost Of Dhaka-Delhi Row BBC News - Subir Bhaumik, 05th February, 2003. India Bangladesh Border Clash At Pyrdiwah Anirban Roy Hindustan Times, 17th April, 2001. Newspaper Clips of India, Bangladesh & The Daily Star Newspaper, Bangladesh. Various Seminar Papers of India & Bangladesh. Inputs from the journalist Swapan Das & Writer Mans Paul of Tripura State of India.

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