India's interest protected in boundary pact with Bangladesh: Govt

Allaying concerns over boundary agreements with Bangladesh, the Government today said India's interest has not been sacrificed and a comprehensive statement will be made in Parliament after return of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from Dhaka.

"No interest of India has been sacrificed. India's interests have been fully secured," Home Minister P Chidambaram said in the Rajya Sabha after some members, particularly from AGP, alleged that land belonging to Assam has been given away to Bangladesh under the agreements.

The two countries demarcated the entire land boundary and resolved the status of enclaves and adversely possessed areas.

Chidambaram said the government had earlier answered questions in Parliament on the issue.

Describing these as unresolved issues for several years, he said the agreements are historic.

"Upon the Prime Minister's return, the Government will make a comprehensive statement before the House," he said.

Earlier, agitated AGP members, supported by BJP, AIADMK and TDP, wanted clarification as to whether India's land has been given away.

Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) said, "It was a question of the sovereignty of the country. Assam land has gone to Bangladesh. We totally oppose this."

He said while AGP is for good relations with neighbouring countries, it should not be at the cost of Assam land.