Chronicle of Nowhere People of India and Bangladesh. Monograph of Work on India-Bangladesh Enclaves

Project Report from the year 2017 in the subject Cultural Studies - Miscellaneous, , course: Research Project, language: English, abstract: Formation of enclaves in India and Bangladesh was the shocking outcome of historical partition of India in the year 1947. As a dire consequence, inhabitants of enclaves of both the countries were enforced to subsist in 'no-man's land' as 'nowhere people' till 67 years after India's independence and partition just due to derision of historical and political destiny. These marginalized people were unfairly deprived from getting basic amenities, rights, opportunities and Governmental support from either country until signing of the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) between India and Bangladesh in the year 2015. As per LBA, 2015, 51 Bangladeshi enclaves inside Indian territory and 111 Indian enclaves inside Bangladesh territory were actually transferred to each other with effect from the midnight of 31 July 2015. A study had been undertaken through extensive field survey at the enclaves of both the countries to assess and analyze pre-LBA, 2015 execution status of and post-execution impact of LBA, 2015 on the people of these enclaves. For the purpose, questionnaire survey, personal interaction, group discussion, interview had been conducted to gather information from enclaves' people, Govt. officials, representatives of enclaves' union, public representatives etc. For the theoretical part of the study, various journals, periodicals, newspapers, reference books, Govt. reports, articles, reports of previous researchers, reports of electronic and print media etc. had been extensively considered. Entire population of erstwhile Indian and Bangladeshi enclaves covered under the study genially welcomed exchange of enclaves through LBA, 2015, as they got rid of their exiled life of long 67 years in enclaves by virtue of LBA, 2015. But even after execution of LBA, 2015, major problematic issues in these erstwhile enclaves have not yet been resolved; nor could enclaves' people enjoy the quality of life enjoyed by their neighbours living just around these erstwhile enclaves. All the erstwhile enclaves' people are still feeling anxious regarding their safe resettlement in these erstwhile enclaves. Most of them have not yet been satisfied regarding Govt. initiatives for infrastructural development within erstwhile enclaves as well as regarding their safe rehabilitation in erstwhile enclaves.