Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether Government is aware of the fact that there is a stiff opposition in Assam with various organizations complaining that the State would have to cede a major portion of its land to Bangladesh in the land swap deal between India and Bangladesh;

(b) whether it is a fact that the land swap deal signed in Dhaka is an international agreement;

(c) if so, the details of steps taken to protect the interest of the country by this international agreement; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (d) A Protocol to the Agreement Concerning the Demarcation of the Land Boundary between Indian and Bangladesh and Related Matters, 1974, was signed during the visit of the Prime Minister to Bangladesh on September 06, 2011. The Protocol addresses the outstanding land boundary issues pertaining to the un-demarcated land boundary, exchange of enclaves and territories in adverse possession. The Protocol is based on the situation on the ground, takes into account the wishes of the people residing in the areas involved and was prepared in close consultation with the State Governments concerned, including the Government of Assam. In concluding the Agreement, the national interest has been protected.

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