Question : BORDER DISPUTE WITH BANGLADESH

(a) the number of Para-military Force personnel killed on the Bangladesh border during the last three years;

(b) whether any progress has been made to solve the Indo-Bangladesh Border dispute in which 16 BSF personnel lost their lives in April, 2001;

(c) if so, the details of undemarcated border still disputed by both the sides;

(d) whether any compensation has been demanded from Bangladesh in respect of 16 BSF personnel who were killed by Bangladeshi Rifles;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(g) the compensation paid by the Government to the BSF personnel who lost their lives on the Indo-Bangladesh Border?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (I.D. SWAMI)


(a) to (g): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.



STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No.31 FOR 24TH JULY 2001 REGARDING BORDER DISPUTE WITH BANGLADESH

(a): The Border Security Force (BSF) is deployed as border guarding force on the India - Bangladesh border. 45 BSF Jawans have been killed on the India - Bangladesh border between July 13, 1998 and July 12, 2001.

(b) & (c): Yes Sir, Two Joint Boundary Working Groups (JBWGs) have been constituted on June 13, 2001. The first JBWG will deal with the demarcation of undemarcated length of the India - Bangladesh Land Boundary measuring around 6.5 kms. The second JBWG will deal with the exchange of enclaves and adversely possessed territories.

(d): No, Sir.

(e): Does not arise in view of reply to part (d) above.

(f): Taking into account all aspects of the situation the Government did not consider it appropriate to demand compensation from Bangladesh for these deaths.

(g): The Government of India has already released ex-gratia compensation of Rs.7.5 lakhs out of Central Fund, Rs.2.5 lakhs out of National Defence Fund and other pensionary benefits to the next of kin of each deceased personnel of the BSF except Head Constable U. Rama Naik in whose case, there is a dispute regarding his next of kin.