Rivers are the most visible form of fresh water. Rivers are ancient and older than civilizations a ‘mini cosmos’ spawning history, tales, spirituality, and technological incursions. Flowing rivers are the largest renewable water resource as well as a crucible for both humans and aquatic ecosystem.
While a higher volume of trade through Petrapole should benefit both countries, this new ICP mechanism needs to be suitably leveraged to ensure that the north-east also derives benefits.
Bangladesh-based terror groups acting against India is not new. What is new is a Bangladeshi terror group based in India acting against both India and Bangladesh. Needless to say, robust counterterrorism cooperation between India and Bangladesh is imperative to tackling common enemies like JMB.
A comprehensive approach is needed to deal with the problem of illegal migration from Bangladesh. All the affected states would have to adopt a uniform policy, in the absence of which any amount of effort is bound to deliver only partial results.
Smruti S. Pattanaik replies: Among the three major political parties of Bangladesh, the Awami League is ideologically closer to India as it believes in secularism and democracy. The present government, which is led by the Awami League, is strongly supported by India.
It is essential in the interest of economic development and smooth rehabilitation of the affected people that funds as part of a comprehensive financial package be devolved to the West Bengal Government at the earliest.
The international community should strengthen the hands of the Sheikh Hasina government. It has a proven track record of working against extremists and terrorists.
Pushpita Das replies: The exchange of 162 enclaves between India and Bangladesh will enhance border security and improve the management of the international boundary in a substantial manner. Presently, due to their peculiar status, these enclaves do not have a state presence in the form of an administrative set-up. As a result, the inhabitants of these enclaves are deprived of legitimate means of livelihood, which has forced many of them to engage in smuggling and other illegal activities.
Message from the Indo-Bangladesh Border: `Banijya Basati Lakkhi’
While a higher volume of trade through Petrapole should benefit both countries, this new ICP mechanism needs to be suitably leveraged to ensure that the north-east also derives benefits.