Sweetmeats all around, jubilation everywhere and joyous rallies everyday – it is a long-awaited freedom now almost in the touching distance for enclave dwellers.

Since independence of Bangladesh, these enclaves have been a virtual prison for its dwellers who remained stranded without any identity or recognition.

Now, they are happy that the land boundary deal has at last become a reality – what will become their passport to freedom and will give them a promise of better future.

There are over 18,000 inhabitants at the 59 enclaves in three upazilas of Lalmonirhat. With the road to their freedom approaching, they are hailing the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The land boundary deal is waiting to be inked during Modi’s maiden visit to Bangladesh. He will be arriving tomorrow on a two-day visit.