 As late as the 21st century, more than 54,000 people lived in a state of confusion. Unsure which country they belonged to. This was not a hostile border. These were peaceful neighbours, friends for nearly half a century, Bangladesh and India, except for those enclaves or Chitmahals. What exactly is an enclave? According to international law, it is a country or part of a country that is wholly within the boundaries of another country. For the people who live in an enclave, life can be complicated. Who responds to your needs? More immediately, what is your identity? This is a very unfortunate. If he really says that he is from Bangladesh, then he will also be a liar because he has nothing to do with Bangladesh. And if he says that he is from India, then he will also be a liar. On the Bangladesh-India border, there were daily reminders. How does it feel to be in the dark when your neighbour's home is well-lit? Even though all that separates you is a line on a map? I have been through all these years, but I have never experienced anything like this in my life. Because we are in a dark place. There were social difficulties too. When I was in school, my mother used to teach me how to sit in a sit-mall. It was very bad for me. When I used to sit in a sit-mall, I used to sing. Bear in mind that these were normal things, normal times. What if things didn't go right? Which law would predict you? I used to sit in a sit-mall and watch the road. I used to sit in a sit-mall and watch the river. I was in this area for a long time. I couldn't stay in this sit-mall. Those enclaves were like an island for them and for us also. Because there was no fencing around it. There used to be literally no whistle. How did this incredibly complex situation arise? A popular legend blames a game of chess between two kings, wagering pockets of land. In fact, the enclaves were created by a series of 18th century peace treaties between the Mughal Empire and the Kingdom of Kuch Bihar. They existed peacefully if absurdly for centuries. Then, the lines of partition ran right through this mess. Some enclaves became Indian, some Pakistani. The government of India and Pakistan made some efforts to solve this, but they led nowhere. Then, in 1971, East Pakistan became Bangladesh. For the enclaves, the close ties between India and Bangladesh brought renewed hopes of settlement. Yet, resolution proved elusive and the problems lingered into a new century. This agreement has been pending since 1974 when it was signed between the then Prime Minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. But three elements of that agreement could not be implemented relating to demarcation of the boundary, adverse positions and enclaves because of interpretations of the agreement. Along with the changing outlook of the enclave dwellers, there was a change in Delhi and Dhaka too. A new generation of bureaucrats, diplomats and politicians was resolute about resolving this long-standing tango. The biggest challenge that we faced in the time from 2014 till 2015 was building awareness of what the protocol and agreement actually meant. Securing the free and full consent of all the state governments that were involved, which were directly impacted by this, and then for the external affairs minister to actually pilot this bill through parliament. The background work stagnant for decades began flowing again. Now, all that was needed was the will to accept uneven transfer of land. In 2015, with a new government in New Delhi, that bold final step was in place. On May the 7th, 2015, India's parliament unanimously ratified the draft treaty originally framed in 1974. In India's parliament, there was not a single objecting vote. Not just the government of the day, but all of India put humanity ahead of territory. In the middle of Bangladesh, is this only a land-based agreement? If someone feels that the land of 2-4 km has gone this way and the land of 2-4 km has gone that way, this is not the agreement. This agreement is the agreement that will leave the days. Many residents found themselves in a different country. Some opted to leave their homes in order to remain in India. Most, though, stayed where they were, the land of their ancestors. Borders shifted, but the bonds shaped by millennia of shared history would continue to endure. At last, the day had come for those who had decided to move to India. Now since they have already got integrated with the part of India, now they are eligible for any other scheme which is applicable to any other citizen of this country. Naturally, that floodgate has been opened. Starting life afresh is never easy. For those who had chosen to leave their homes and join their fortunes to India, they were basics to be taken care of. Shelter first. Camps were built to provide dignified housing for the period of transition. Cooked food was provided for one month. Next comes land, perhaps the most important for the farmer. Once identified and acquired, this will be transferred to our new compatriots. The former enclaves also craved that recognisable symbol of permanence, a postal address. The new citizens now have free access to the welfare programmes of the Indian state. Anganwadi centres provide support for young children with healthcare, supplementary nutrition and pre-school education. Work in rural areas is often hard to come by. The former enclave dwellers are now entitled to the benefits of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Other projects were initiated, self-help groups, skilled development, but then came the West Bengal state elections. Several programmes were halted to conform to India's tough electoral code of conduct. Rather than being disappointed, the people were elated. This was their chance to participate in the most sacred ritual of a democracy. Despite the enormous efforts, there are still some problems that remain. Some families have been separated by the new borders. The Indian government has made extra efforts to resolve this, always putting people first. Some of the listed migrants never showed up. They stayed put, realising that emotional bonds are hard to break. They are now proud citizens of Bangladesh. After all, this is an accord of equals. Two nations maturely dropping their differences and working together for the benefit of people. In the former enclaves, life is fast returning to normal. The old ways go on finding equilibrium with the new. In time, this will all be history. Lines on a map or a simple narrative. Today, however, it is a story of people, of individuals dreaming magnificent dreams and waiting patiently for borders to dissolve and for humanity to triumph.