Annexure V SuoMoto by Shri Madhavsinh Solanki Minister of External Affairs in Lok Sabha And by Shri Eduardo Faleiro Minister of State for External Affairs in Rajya Sabha on Tin Bigha

Through an Exchange of Letters today, March 26, 1992 the Government of India and the Government of Bangladesh have reached an understanding regarding modalities for the implementation of terms of lease providing for right of passage for Bangladesh through the Tin Bigha Area. The arrangements will come into effect from June 26, 1992. Hon'ble Members would recall that the said terms had been worked out through the Exchange of Letters between the Foreign Ministers of two countries on October 7, 1982. 2. The Indo-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement signed in 1974 had provided for leasing by India to Bangladesh an area of 178 meters x 85 meters near "Tin Bigha" in order to enable Bangladesh to have access to Dahagram and Angarpota. This was part of a package which allowed India to retain the southern half of South Berubari Union No. 12 and adjacent enclaves, and which allowed Bangladesh to retain the Dahagram and Angarpota enclaves. The Agreement of 1982 referred to above clearly stipulated that sovereignty over the leased area would continue to vest in India. The recent understanding between the two Governments has been worked out within this and other parameters of the 1982 Agreement. 3. Before finalising the modalities relating to the Tin Bigha Area, Government consulted the Government of West bengal on several occassions and has kept in constant touch with them. Leaders of political parties were also consulted. We have taken into account the concerns and apprehensions expressed in certain quarters regarding the implementation of 1982 Agreement. Honourable Members will note, while going through the text of Letters exchanged (which are being placed in the Parliament Library), that full care has been taken to safeguard our interests. 4. I may further add that we remain committed to the full implementation of 1974 Agreement. Necessary steps to expedite progress in this regard are underway. 5. In putting into effect the Tin Bigha lease, India is fulfilling an international commitment. The lease is being implemented after all due processes of law have been completed in India. Government are confident that the steps and safeguards taken for the implementation of the lease will dispel all doubts misgivings and that it will receive full and unstinted cooperation of all concerned. 6. The resolution of the Tin Bigha question symbolises, above all, the will of the people of India to live together with Bangladesh in amity and good neighbourliness. Given time and goodwill, the Tin Bigha corridor which unfortunately generated much controversy and tension in the past will turn into a crossroads of friendship between India and Bangladesh.