India, B’desh nationality survey begins

Dhaka, July 6

India and Bangladesh today launched a joint survey to record the "choice of nationality" of 51,584 people in 162 enclaves in each other's territories ahead of the July 31 integration of the land with the respective mainland under the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA).

Officials said 50 teams began the survey in 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh, while 25 teams went inside India to carry out the identical task in 51 enclaves in India.

They are expected to complete the survey by July 23. The launch of the survey comes exactly a month after the two neighbours sealed the landmark deal to settle the 41-year- old land boundary dispute through exchange of territories, removing a major irritant in bilateral ties.

"Each team comprise five men representing both countries and they are asking the enclave residents which nationality they opt for... they will have to complete their task in next 16 days and submit the findings to the respective authorities of the two countries," a home ministry spokesman said.

According to earlier reports, a joint delegation of Bangladesh and India will finalise the survey and prepare a list of intending Bangladeshi and Indian nationals. — PTI