Letter from the Editor

June 2015

A man’s only identity on foreign soil is his nationality. But what if that very fact comes into question or worse? What if he belongs to no nation or is deprived of his motherland? What if he has to spend all his life knowing that he does not belong in that country?

The recent efforts by the Modi government to resolve the long standing issue of border demarcation between India and Bangladesh is a very refreshing step in this regard. Fortunately for all parties involved, the crucial Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) discussion has ended on a very happy note. The dispute first raised its ugly head way back in 1974 under Mrs Indira Gandhi’s regime. Talks were initiated but without a settlement agreeable to both nations, the relationship between the two nations has been a little less than cordial.

Understanding the importance of sharing an amicable relation with neighbours, the new regime decided to open the Pandora’s Box and tackle the issue head-on. Thus successfully leading to the signing of the agreement for mutual benefit and cooperation. Our cover story this month tries to present a comprehensive analysis of the various dimensions of LBA and a detailed study of what this means for the future of India. The states of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura are the sites where territory transfer will take place. India is poised to gain a lot from this initiative. Not only will it help in reducing the infiltration issue plaguing the Northeast but also deter insurgent groups from seeking shelter and training camps in Bangladesh. It is a known fact that after wreaking havoc in the region most outlaws retreat to Bangladesh for safety taking advantage of the unspecified border areas. With the ongoing festive atmosphere, it is expected that Dhaka may finally extradite ULFA founder general secretary Anup Chetia who has been languishing in a Dhaka jail for over 17 years.

More importantly, with an improved political and social atmosphere, trade and commerce will definitely receive a boost and so will tourism. The bus and train services via Dhaka will further strengthen our internal connectivity and improve communication standards in the region. Better transport facilities will prove beneficial to the economy of both nations. Peaceful coexistence is a situation with which both parties stand to gain.

It is, of course, an emotional issue too. The transfer of enclaves has been protested time and again by their occupants due to fear of losing their lands (Eastern Panorama October 2011 issue). However, in the wake of current understanding, the people living in these enclaves have been given a free choice on whether they would like to stay or shift and majority of them have opted to stay where they are. With no mass exodus in the near future, it will not have any significant effect on the population of either country. The hitherto stateless people will finally get an identity along with all government incentives such as electricity, education, health services et al.

In our incessant attempt at promoting Northeast on a national platform and showcasing its various prospects in terms of trade and tourism, Eastern Panorama caught up with entrepreneur Leena Nair, Chairman Coffee Board & MPEDA to explore the various markets that can be opened for Northeast. In the same breath, we had an exclusive interview with Rainer Schmiedchen, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, on the different avenues for a tie-up between Germany and Northeast India. Hoping to highlight the grievances of the people of Northeast and the possible means of addressing the problems faced by them in mainland India, Eastern Panorama caught up with Sunil Deodhar, Founder & Chairman My Home India.

Taking a sneak peek into history, we salute our valiant brothers of Assam Rifles who played an instrumental role in World War I and earned distinction for India in general and Northeast in particular. They continue to inspire us and shall forever remain a benchmark in bravery.

Wishing our farmer friends all across the country a fruitful monsoon!!!

Dr. K. K. Jhunjhunwala