The Assam-Bangladesh Border Dispute: A Historical Perspective on Tensions and Resolutions

Introduction

The Assam-Bangladesh border dispute is a complex geopolitical issue that has roots stretching back to colonial times. Marked by a long history of migration, territorial claims, and cultural exchange, this border issue has profoundly influenced both Assam and Bangladesh. The 4,096-kilometer India-Bangladesh border, including the 263-kilometer-long section that Assam shares with Bangladesh, has been a site of recurring tensions, affecting security, demography, and local economies. This essay delves into the history of the Assam-Bangladesh border dispute, exploring its colonial origins, key milestones, and the social, political, and economic impact it has had on Assam. It also looks into attempts to resolve the issue, including the 2015 India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement.

Colonial Origins and Partition: The Roots of the Dispute

The Bengal Presidency and Boundary Issues

The Assam-Bangladesh border dispute traces its roots to the colonial period, particularly to the administrative divisions made by the British in India. Assam was incorporated into British India after the Anglo-Burmese Wars in 1826. Later, Assam became a part of the larger Bengal Presidency, and borders were drawn without consideration of local ethnic, linguistic, or geographical factors.

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 and its subsequent annulment in 1911 left a lasting impact on the region. The boundary between Assam and Bengal was vaguely defined, and the British focused primarily on administrative convenience rather than the cultural and demographic realities of the region. This lack of clarity in boundary demarcations would later become a source of tension between Assam and East Bengal (modern-day Bangladesh).

The Impact of Partition in 1947

The Partition of India in 1947 had a profound impact on the Assam-Bangladesh border issue. When British India was divided into India and Pakistan, the eastern part of Bengal became East Pakistan, with a newly drawn border separating it from the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. The Radcliffe Line, hastily drawn by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, did not account for the cultural, ethnic, and economic ties that existed across the border. As a result, large sections of the population on both sides found themselves living in a new country, leading to mass migrations, communal tensions, and demographic changes.

The newly created boundary was ill-defined, particularly in remote areas where rivers, forests, and hills made it difficult to enforce a clear border. This resulted in numerous disputes over enclaves, riverine borders, and illegal migration that continue to affect Assam’s border with Bangladesh.

Post-Independence Tensions: The Rise of Illegal Migration

Illegal Migration and Demographic Changes

One of the most contentious aspects of the Assam-Bangladesh border dispute has been the issue of illegal migration. Following the Partition, a significant number of refugees from East Pakistan migrated to Assam. The porous nature of the border allowed for continued migration over the years, particularly during periods of political unrest and economic hardship in East Pakistan (later Bangladesh). This migration accelerated during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, when millions of refugees fled to Assam and West Bengal to escape the violence.

The large influx of migrants led to significant demographic changes in Assam, particularly in districts along the border. This demographic shift caused concerns among the indigenous Assamese population, who feared being outnumbered by Bengali-speaking migrants. The issue of illegal immigration became a major political and social issue in Assam, eventually leading to the Assam Movement (1979-1985), a mass agitation led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) demanding the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants.

The Assam Accord of 1985

The Assam Movement culminated in the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985 between the Indian government and AASU. One of the key provisions of the accord was the identification of all illegal migrants who had entered Assam after March 25, 1971, the date of Bangladesh’s independence. However, the implementation of the accord has been fraught with challenges, and the issue of illegal migration remains unresolved, fueling tensions between Assam and Bangladesh to this day.

Border Disputes and Enclaves: The Land Boundary Problem

The Problem of Enclaves

A major feature of the Assam-Bangladesh border dispute has been the issue of enclaves—small pockets of land belonging to one country but located within the territory of the other. These enclaves, known as chhitmahals, were the result of historical land exchanges between local rulers before the British colonization. By the time of Partition, there were 102 Indian enclaves inside East Pakistan and 71 East Pakistani enclaves within India, with several of these located along the Assam border.

These enclaves created governance challenges, as residents often lacked access to basic services, law enforcement, or infrastructure. The situation became increasingly untenable over the decades, as both India and Bangladesh sought to resolve the enclave issue without infringing on national sovereignty.

The 2015 India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement

A significant step towards resolving the border dispute was the signing of the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) in 2015. The LBA aimed to settle long-standing boundary issues between the two countries, including the exchange of enclaves. Under the agreement, India transferred 111 enclaves to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh ceded 51 enclaves to India. The agreement also clarified border demarcations along the Assam-Bangladesh border and sought to address issues related to illegal migration and cross-border crime.

The LBA was hailed as a diplomatic success, and it helped improve relations between India and Bangladesh. For Assam, the agreement was significant in providing a framework for resolving some of the border disputes and improving border security. However, challenges such as the porous nature of the border and the issue of illegal immigration persist.

Impact of the Border Dispute on Assam

Security Concerns

The Assam-Bangladesh border has been a major source of security concerns for India. The porous border has facilitated illegal immigration, cross-border smuggling, and, in some cases, insurgent activity. Assam has witnessed several insurgent groups operating along the border, seeking to exploit the lack of effective border management. The Indian government has responded by strengthening the Border Security Force (BSF) and increasing surveillance along the Assam-Bangladesh border. However, the vast stretches of difficult terrain make effective border management a challenging task.

Economic and Social Impact

The border dispute has also had economic implications for Assam. Border regions often face challenges related to underdevelopment, poor infrastructure, and lack of access to basic services. The illegal migration issue has placed additional strain on Assam’s resources, as migrants compete for jobs, land, and social services. The demographic changes caused by migration have also led to ethnic and communal tensions, as indigenous communities feel marginalized.

At the same time, the Assam-Bangladesh border presents opportunities for cross-border trade and cultural exchange. Efforts to improve relations between India and Bangladesh, particularly through agreements like the LBA, have the potential to boost economic cooperation and development in border areas.

Conclusion

The Assam-Bangladesh border dispute is a multifaceted issue that has shaped the region’s political, social, and economic landscape for decades. From its colonial origins to the present day, the dispute has been marked by tensions over illegal migration, border demarcation, and security concerns. While significant progress has been made in resolving some aspects of the dispute, particularly through the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement, challenges remain.

The history of the Assam-Bangladesh border dispute underscores the importance of effective border management, regional cooperation, and the need for addressing the underlying social and economic issues that fuel tensions. As India and Bangladesh continue to strengthen their diplomatic ties, resolving the remaining aspects of the Assam-Bangladesh border dispute will be crucial for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.