Question 1940
Find out the agreements/accords signed between Indian government and its provincial regional organisations given below in ascending order. A. Assam Accord B. Anandpur Sahib Resolution C. Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord D. Shillong Agreement E. Mizo Peace Accord
Answer
B, D, C, A, E
Why?
The correct answer is B, D, C, A, E Explanation: Several significant agreements and accords were inked between the Indian government and regional organizations. In 1973, the Shiromani Akali Dal presented the Anandpur Sahib Resolution. Subsequently, the Shillong Agreement of 1975 addressed the insurgency crisis in Nagaland. In 1985, the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord aimed to pacify the separatist movement in Punjab, coinciding with the signing of the Assam Accord to tackle political instability. Finally, the conclusion of decades-long violence in Mizoram was marked by the Mizo Peace Accord of 1986. Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973): Background: The Anandpur Sahib Resolution was put forth by the Shiromani Akali Dal, a political party representing the Sikhs in Punjab. The resolution was a response to perceived economic and political marginalization of the Sikh community and sought greater autonomy for the state of Punjab. Objectives: The primary objectives were to secure political and economic rights for the Sikh-majority state of Punjab within the Indian Union. It demanded more powers for the state government and greater protection for the Sikh religious and cultural identity. Outcome: The resolution was not accepted by the Indian government, and the demand for an autonomous state was not fulfilled. Tensions escalated, eventually leading to the Operation Blue Star in 1984, a military action to remove militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Shillong Agreement (1975): Background: The Shillong Accord was a result of negotiations between the Indian government and the Naga National Council (NNC) to address the insurgency crisis in Nagaland. The Naga insurgency sought independence for the Naga-inhabited areas. Objectives: The accord aimed to bring an end to the violent insurgency and establish a framework for the Naga people to be integrated into the Indian Union while preserving their cultural and ethnic identity. Outcome: The accord, however, faced criticism and opposition from some factions within the Naga movement. The dissatisfaction eventually led to the formation of other Naga insurgent groups, perpetuating some level of conflict in the region. Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord (1985): Background: This accord was a response to the long-standing demand for Sikh autonomy and the separatist movement led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Punjab. The demand for an independent Sikh state, Khalistan, was a major challenge to the Indian state. Objectives: The accord aimed to bring an end to the separatist movement by addressing the political and economic demands of the Sikhs. It outlined provisions for greater autonomy for Punjab and Sikh rights. Outcome: Unfortunately, the accord did not lead to lasting peace. The assassination of Harchand Singh Longowal, one of the key signatories, in 1985, and subsequent events, including Operation Black Thunder, continued to fuel tensions in Punjab. Assam Accord (1985): Background: The Assam Accord was a response to the Assam Agitation, which protested against the alleged influx of "illegal" immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, leading to demographic changes in Assam. Objectives: The accord aimed to address the concerns of the Assamese people by identifying and deporting illegal immigrants, protecting the cultural and linguistic rights of the indigenous population, and restoring political stability in the state. Outcome: The accord led to the implementation of various measures, including the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). However, challenges and controversies surrounding the identification of illegal immigrants persisted. Mizo Peace Accord (1986): Background: The Mizo Peace Accord was the result of negotiations between the Indian government and the Mizo National Front (MNF), an insurgent group seeking independence for Mizoram. Objectives: The accord aimed to bring an end to decades-long violence and insurgency in Mizoram by addressing the political and economic demands of the Mizo people. Outcome: The accord successfully led to the establishment of peace in Mizoram. The MNF leader, Laldenga, became the Chief Minister of Mizoram, marking the beginning of a new era of stability and development in the region. Additional Information These agreements and accords reflect the complex socio-political challenges faced by the Indian government in dealing with regional aspirations, autonomy demands, and separatist movements. While some accords have contributed to peace and stability, others have faced criticism and challenges in their implementation, highlighting the ongoing complexities of India's federal structure.
