India-Bangladesh Border Dispute
Summary
*Source: IE* **Context: **Recently, the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) held a coordination meeting at the **Petrapole-Benapole border,** emphasizing their commitment to maintaining border sanctity and resolving contentious issues like fencing. **Disputed places between India and Bangladesh border:** • **Sukdebpur, West Bengal (Malda District):** **Location:** Sukdebpur is situated along the international border in West Bengal’s Malda district. **Iss
Exam Brief
GS-2BSF and BGB met to discuss border issues like fencing. UPSC cares because border disputes impact security and international relations. The 1975 border guidelines are key.
Key Facts
- Meeting held at Petrapole-Benapole border.
- Dispute over fencing within 150 yards of border.
- 6.5 km stretch of Comilla-Tripura border undemarcated.
- 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement guides border management.
Prelims — What UPSC Might Ask
- Location of Petrapole-Benapole border.
- Key provisions of the 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement.
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Source Article Content
Source: IE
**Context: **Recently, the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) held a coordination meeting at the Petrapole-Benapole border, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining border sanctity and resolving contentious issues like fencing.
Disputed places between India and Bangladesh border:
• Sukdebpur, West Bengal (Malda District): Location: Sukdebpur is situated along the international border in West Bengal’s Malda district. Issue: Disagreement between India and Bangladesh over the construction of border fences within the 150-yard limit stipulated by the 1975 border guidelines. • Location: Sukdebpur is situated along the international border in West Bengal’s Malda district. • Issue: Disagreement between India and Bangladesh over the construction of border fences within the 150-yard limit stipulated by the 1975 border guidelines. • Dahagram-Angarpota Enclave (West Bengal): Location: Close to Cooch Behar in West Bengal, this Bangladeshi enclave is surrounded by Indian territory. Issue: Tensions over connectivity and movement rights between the enclave and mainland Bangladesh. • Location: Close to Cooch Behar in West Bengal, this Bangladeshi enclave is surrounded by Indian territory. • Issue: Tensions over connectivity and movement rights between the enclave and mainland Bangladesh. • Comilla-Tripura Stretch: Location: Along the Tripura border. Issue: The 6.5 km stretch remains undemarcated, creating ambiguity in border enforcement and occasional disputes. • Location: Along the Tripura border. • Issue: The 6.5 km stretch remains undemarcated, creating ambiguity in border enforcement and occasional disputes. About 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement:
• What it is: A bilateral guideline for border management to maintain peace and avoid disputes. • Key Features: Prohibits constructing defense structures within 150 yards of the international border. Encourages bilateral discussions for border issues, ensuring mutual respect and cooperation. • Prohibits constructing defense structures within 150 yards of the international border. • Encourages bilateral discussions for border issues, ensuring mutual respect and cooperation. • Why Disputed: • Fencing Definition: India does not consider wire fencing a defense structure, while Bangladesh does. • Security Concerns: High incidents of cattle smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration necessitate fencing, which Bangladesh views as a disruption to local livelihoods. • Smart Fencing Opposition: Bangladesh opposes smart fences with CCTV and electronic surveillance near the border, citing privacy concerns. • Status of Fencing: • Total Fenced: 3,141 km of the 4,156 km border (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2023). • Pending Issues: Non-cooperation from local authorities in West Bengal and land acquisition delays. Difficult terrain, including 900 km of riverine border, complicates fencing efforts. • Non-cooperation from local authorities in West Bengal and land acquisition delays. • Difficult terrain, including 900 km of riverine border, complicates fencing efforts. Insta links:
• India-Bangladesh-relations