Wow! What an event!
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For the 14,215 residents of the 37 Bangladeshi enclaves in India, August 1, 2015 is a very significant day — on this day, they become Indian citizens. Ending decades of wait, India and Bangladesh are set to start implementing their landmark Land Boundary Agreement from Saturday. Most dwelling units in Cooch Behar’s Mashaldanga area are getting fresh paint for the ceremony to be held on Saturday to mark the historical moment. The spirits of the people are also at an all time high. Abdur Rahman, an enclave resident, said: “At midnight, when the entire country will be sleeping, we would be too excited to do the same, as we will feel the true sense of freedom — 68 years after India became independent.” Claiming that two generations were lost to this official limbo, he added: “It is very difficult to explain how it feels when one can walk outside the enclave without the fear of being apprehended by the BSF.” For youths like Afarul Haque, who had to be smuggled out of Bengal so he can take up a job in Rajasthan — August 1 means the beginning of a new life. “I had to use fake documents to get admission in school, where I learnt about the fundamental rights that an Indian citizen enjoys. This included right to employment. Now, I will be able to exercise this right and not feel insecure while taking up a job,” he said. - See more at: Exchange of enclaves Over 14 000 people await new identities recognition The Indian Express
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For the 14,215 residents of the 37 Bangladeshi enclaves in India, August 1, 2015 is a very significant day — on this day, they become Indian citizens. Ending decades of wait, India and Bangladesh are set to start implementing their landmark Land Boundary Agreement from Saturday. Most dwelling units in Cooch Behar’s Mashaldanga area are getting fresh paint for the ceremony to be held on Saturday to mark the historical moment. The spirits of the people are also at an all time high. Abdur Rahman, an enclave resident, said: “At midnight, when the entire country will be sleeping, we would be too excited to do the same, as we will feel the true sense of freedom — 68 years after India became independent.” Claiming that two generations were lost to this official limbo, he added: “It is very difficult to explain how it feels when one can walk outside the enclave without the fear of being apprehended by the BSF.” For youths like Afarul Haque, who had to be smuggled out of Bengal so he can take up a job in Rajasthan — August 1 means the beginning of a new life. “I had to use fake documents to get admission in school, where I learnt about the fundamental rights that an Indian citizen enjoys. This included right to employment. Now, I will be able to exercise this right and not feel insecure while taking up a job,” he said. - See more at: Exchange of enclaves Over 14 000 people await new identities recognition The Indian Express
