West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said she was "in favour" of border enclave exchange with Bangladesh in Cooch Behar district, but the Centre must consult the state government before taking any steps.
An enclave is defined in international law as any portion of a state that is entirely surrounded by the territory of another state.
India has 111 such enclaves while Bangladesh has 51, all in Cooch Behar district with a cumulative population of over 51,000.
"I am in favour of exchange of border enclaves in Cooch Behar. But we have to do it amicably. The Centre has to take the state government in confidence before taking any decision of border enclaves," Banerjee said.
"You must also understand if enclaves are exchanged, pressure on Bengal will increase. There has to be a proper process and rehabilitation package," she told reporters here.
Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress supremo, attended the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in New Delhi Monday.
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