Dhaka: Bangladesh and India will implement the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 1974 and Protocol of 2011, in phases over the next 11 months, reported the Hindu on Saturday.

‘Between July 31, 2015 and June 30, 2016, the entire process, including physical exchange of enclaves and land parcels in adverse possession along with boundary demarcation, will be completed’ said the report, referring the letters exchanged between the two foreign secretaries during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in Bangladesh last week.

‘Perhaps the most significant date is July 31, 2015—the ‘Appointed Day.’ The enclaves on both sides of the border ‘shall stand transferred to the other’ by the midnight of the Appointed Day’.

On 31 July, the countries will exchange strip maps showing the narrow stretch of territory completing the transfer of territorial jurisdiction, while the ground demarcation of the boundary will be completed by the respective Survey Departments by 30 June, 2016, said the report.

Meanwhile, ‘India and Bangladesh will print, sign at plenipotentiary level and exchange’ the strip maps of the un-demarcated sectors ‘by the Appointed Day’, the letters said.

Both governments will facilitate ‘orderly, safe and secure passage’ to the enclave dwellers along with their ‘personal belongings and moveable property’ to Bangladesh or India through proper ‘travel documents.’ The passage ‘will be arranged by the respective governments…(and) take place by November 30, 2015.’

‘Entry/exit points will be Haldibari (on Indian side) Burimari and Banglabandha’ on the international border, the exchanged letters said.

Survey in the enclaves

Both sides have agreed ‘to conduct a joint visit to the enclaves’ to survey all the complex and controversial issues.