The Chitmahal Agreement 2015: What You Need to Know
The Chitmahal Agreement of 2015, a historic treaty between the governments of India and Bangladesh, aimed to resolve a border dispute that had lasted for more than 40 years. Chitmahals, or enclaves, were small pockets of land surrounded by the territory of the other country, leading to disputes over jurisdiction and citizenship.
The agreement aimed to exchange these enclaves, with India ceding 111 Chitmahals to Bangladesh, and Bangladesh returning 51 to India. In addition, residents of these enclaves who had been stateless and without any citizenship were given the option to choose their nationality, with most opting for the nationality of the country they had been living in.
The treaty also included provisions for the demarcation of the border between the two countries, allowing for the movement of people and goods without any restrictions. It also granted access to utilities and services such as water, electricity, and healthcare, which had previously been inaccessible to residents of these enclaves.
The Chitmahal Agreement was a significant step towards improving relations between India and Bangladesh, and towards resolving a long-standing border dispute. It was also a humanitarian victory, as it granted citizenship to thousands of individuals who had been stateless and without any legal protection for decades.
As a professional, it is important to note that while the Chitmahal Agreement may not be a heavily searched topic, it is still a noteworthy event in the history of Indian-Bangladeshi relations. By providing a clear and concise overview of the agreement, this article aims to inform readers and contribute to a better understanding of this historic treaty.