Last batch of 26 people leaves for India

A touching scene appeared at the ground of Debiganj Degree College in Panchagarh district yesterday as six siblings finally bid farewell to their father and a brother who opted to be Indian citizens, following Bangladesh-India enclave exchange deal.

Mohesh Chandra Sarker, 90, of former Indian enclave Coatbhajini in Debiganj upazila, and his younger son Ratan Chandra Sarker left for India on the day, as members of the last batch comprising 26 people who did the same.   

Mohesh's  six daughters Ruma Rani, Rita Rani, Chhobi Rani, Bhagya Rani, Maya Rani, Doya Rani and son Nityananda Sarcar opted to remain in Bangladesh.

"It is hard for me to leave my children. But I have decided to go to India as my elder sons and their family decided to go there," said Mohesh Chandra, breaking down in tears. 

His three sons Komoleswar Chandra Sarker, Krisna Chandra Sarker, Sonatan Chandra Sarker went to India in forth batch on November 26.

Maya Rani,17, Chobi Rani, 23, and Doya Rani, 25, who were enlisted as Indian enclave people during the head count conducted in 2011, said they have to stay here as their husbands are Bangladeshi.  

"We feel like orphan from today," said Bhagya Rani, 27.

Puspa Rani, 30, wife of Nishi Kumar of Coatbhajini, went to India on the day along with her younger son Tapan Kumar, leaving her husband in Bangladesh.

"Earlier on November 23, my elder son Ratan Kumar left for India. I left my motherland without husband thinking the future of my sons," Puspa said.

As part of the process to relocate former enclave dwellers, 26 people of 10 families from three enclaves -- Dohola Khagrabari and Coatbhajini in Debiganj upazila and Behuladanga in Boda upazila of Panchagarh district went to India yesterday afternoon.

Those people, forming the last batch under the relocation process, entered the neighbouring country through Chilahati-Haldibari border check post in Nilphamari district the same day.    

Earlier they gathered at the ground of Debiganj Degree College and started their journey with goods by a bus and two trucks to Chilahati-Haldibari border point around 9:30am.      

On August 1, Bangladesh and India swapped 162 enclaves, tiny pockets of adversely possessed land, ending the stateless existence of some 52,000 people. They were given the option to choose their nationality, either as Bangladeshi or Indian.

Of them, 478 people of 95 families from 36 erstwhile Indian enclaves inside Panchagarh district went to India in five batches on November 22, 23, 24, 26 and 30.