Chapter 14 Regional Aspirations And Conflicts

 Q.No.1:- What were the main provisions of the Punjab accord? In what

way can they be the basis for further tensions between the Punjab

and its neighboring states?

OR

Write a brief note on Punjab Accord?

Ans: - After coming to power following the elections in 1984, the new Prime

Minister Rajiv Gandhi initiated a dialogue with Moderate Akali leaders. In

July 1985, he reached an agreement with Harchand Singh Longowal, then

the president of the Akali Dal. This agreement, known as the Rajiv Gandhi-

Longowal Accord or the Punjab accord, was a step towards bringing

normalcy to Punjab

Main provisions of Punjab accord are as follow:-

1. Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.

2. To resolve border dispute between Punjab and Haryana, a commission

would be established.

3. A tribunal would be set up to decide the sharing of Ravi-Beas river water

among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

4. Armed forces special powers act (AFSPA) in Punjab would be withdrawn

.5. Those which were affected by militancy in Punjab would be given better

treatment.

Q.No.2:- Why did Annandpur Sahib Resolution became controversial?

Ans: - During the 1970s a section of Akalis began to demand political

autonomy for Punjab. In 1973 Alkalis passed a resolution at their

conference at Annandpur sahib, in which demand for political autonomy

was made. Annandpur Sahib Resolution, as such constitutes a statement

of the main principals, policies and programme of the Akali Dal.

Annandpur sahib resolution became controversial because resolution

was passed in “Gurumukhi Script”. Resolution was not very clear because

some words can be interpreted in more than one ways. This confusion was

made worst by different interpretations given by the leaders of various

political shades and at times by leaders of the Akali Dal itself. For

moderates this makes merely more autonomy for Punjab whereas for some

leaders it was a way of Securing sovereignty of Punjab.

Q.No.3:- Explain the internal divisions of the state of J&K and

describe how these lead to multiple regional aspirations in that state?

OR

Why Kashmir problem has not been resolved?

Ans:-Internally, there is a dispute about the status of Kashmir within the

Indian union. Everyone knows that Kashmir was given a special status by

article 370 in Indian constitution. Article 370 gives greater autonomy to

Jammu and Kashmir as compared to other states of India. The state has its

own constitution, separate flag and separate law of citizenship. All

provisions of the Indian constitution are not applicable to the state. Laws

passed by the parliament apply to J&K only if the state agrees. This special

status has provoked two opposite reactions. There is a section of people

outside of J&K that believes that the special status conferred by article 370

does not allow full integration of the state with India. This section lays that

Article 370 should therefore be repealed and J&K should be like any other

state in India.

Another section, mostly Kashmiris believe that the autonomy

conferred by article 370 is not enough. A section of Kashmiris is having

expressed at least three major grievances which are responsible for

tensions & conflicts in J& K.

First, the promise, that instrument of accession, would be referred to the

people of the state after the situation created by tribal invasion was

normalized, has not been fulfilled. This has generated the demand for a

plebiscite.

Secondly there is a feeling that the special federal status guaranteed by

article 370, has been eroded in practice. This has led to the demand for

restoration of autonomy or Greater state Autonomy.

Thirdly, it is felt that democracy which is practiced in the rest of India has

not been similarly institutionalized in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Q.No.4:- what are the various positions on the issue of regional

autonomy for Kashmir? Which of these do you think are justifiable?

Give reasons for your answer?

Ans: - The state of Jammu and Kashmir comprises of three distinct

geographical units i.e. Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. Maharaja Hari Singh

signed the instrument of accession on 26 October, 1947 and thus Jammu &

Kashmir became a part of India. The Maharaja offered to accede on three

subjects, defense, external affairs & communication.

The Kashmir issue is merely a dispute between India and Pakistan.

This issue has external and internal dimensions. It involves the issue of

Kashmirs identity known as kashmiriyat and the aspiration of the people of

J&K for political autonomy.

Two opposite views: - This special status to Jammu and Kashmir has

provoked two opposite reactions. One view is that article 370 should be

scrapped and should be removed from the constitution whereas certain

people favor retaining article 370 in the Indian constitution. Another view is

that the Autonomy conferred by article 370 is not enough. Mostly Kashmiris

are demanding restoration of Autonomy or Greater state Autonomy.

Which of the view is Justifiable?

In our opinion special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article

370 should be maintained due to following reasons.

1. Scrapping of Article 370 would be a breach of faith not only with the

leaders of Jammu and Kashmir; particularly leaders of national conference,

but also with the constituent assembly of the state and the people of J&K.

2. Article 370 can be scrapped only by the method of amendment in the

Indian constitution which is not so easy because national parties like Indian

National Congress, CPI and CPI-M favors the retention of Article 370. Thus

, the scraping of article 370 is unrealistic.

3. The best way to delete article 370 is to persuade and convince the

people of J&K, so that the demand for scrapping article 370 comes from

the people of J&K.

Q.no.5:- The Assam Movement was a combination of cultural pride

and economic backwardness. Justify the statement?

OR

Write a brief note on Assam movement?

Ans: - It is hard fact that Assam Movement was a combination of cultural

pride and economic backwardness. This can be justified on the basis of

following facts:-

1. The large scale migration into the North-East gave rise to a unique

problem i.e. the local people pitted against outsiders or migrants. In many

states of North-east local people started political and social movements

against the outsiders because outsiders not only affect their culture but also

exploit the natural resources for their benefits.

2. The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 is the best example of such

movements against outsiders. The foreigners against whom this agitation

was directed were mostly migrated workers who had come in search of

jobs from Bangladesh.

3. The Assamese felt that unless these foreign nationals are detected and

deported they would reduce the indigenous Assamese into minority.

Besides, this, there were economic problems also due to foreigners.

4. In 1979 the all Assam students union (AASU), not affiliated to any party

led anti-foreigner movement. Students agitators insisted that the foreigners

names should be removed from the electoral rolls. They even prevented

the candidates from filling their nominations.

5. The agitators demanded that all outsiders who had entered the state

after 1951 should be sent back. The movement tried to blockade the

movement of trains and supply in Bihar.

Q.no.6:- All regional movements need not lead to separatist demands.

Explain by giving examples from this chapter?

Ans: - There is a great reality that all regional movements need not lead to

separatist demands. The inhabitants of Mizo-Hills in Assam demanded

secession from the Indian union and established Mizo National front to get

their demand conceded. The Mizos organized armed agitation and

commenced guerilla warfare. The Mizoram National Front (MNF) was

banned during Chinese aggression. The government, keeping their

aspirations in view decided to make Mizo Hill area a union territory. This

was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on 21st January,

1972. It was named Mizoram. However, Mizos headed by Laldenga were

not satisfied with this arrangement. In 1986, an agreement was signed by

Rajiv Gandhi & Laldenga. Under this agreement Mizoram was made 23rd

state of India & Laldenga was made the chief minister of Mizoram.

Q.No.7:- Regional demands from different parts of India exemplify the

principle of unity with diversity. Do you agree? Give Reasons?

Ans: - We fully agree with the view expressed in this statement that

regional demands from different parts of India exemplify the Principle of

unity with diversity. Following arguments support this view.

1. Regional Aspirations are part of Democratic system: - India is a

largest democratic country in the world. To make democratic system

successful it is essential that India should deal with regional aspirations on

a regular basis because expression of regional aspirations is not an

abnormal phenomenon.

2. Best way: - Democratic negotiations are the best way to respond to

regional aspirations. Suppression of regional aspirations is not in the

interest of National unity. For example, Mizoram problem was solved by

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi & Rajiv Gandhi through negotiations.

3. Power Sharing: - Regional aspirations can be fulfilled by sharing power.

Every region should have an important role in deciding the destiny of the

nation and to achieve this objective it is essential that regional parties or

groups or leaders should share powers at the state level and even at the

center.

QNO 8 :- Explain the following terms: (V.V.IMP)

1- Rise of Regional parties in India.

2- Challenges & responses in North-East India.

Ans:-1- Rise of Regional parties in India:- Many regional parties along

with the national political parties are found at the state level in India

which vastly influence the Indian political system. Cultural pluralism,

regional feelings & aspirations, geographical diversity, different religions,

economic disparities & lust for power etc. are the factors responsible

for the rise of regional parties.

2- Challenges & responses in North-east India:- After independence

three issues dominate the politics of North-East , demands for

autonomy , movements for succession, & opposition to outsiders.

In Mizoram, under the leadership of Laldenga Mizo National Front (MNF)

was formed. In 1966, MNF started an armed campaign for

independence that lasted for two decades. In 1986, an agreement was

signed between P.M. Rajiv Gandhi & Laldenga. Under this agreement

Mizoram was given full statehood.

In Nagaland, Naga National council launched an armed struggle for

sovereignty of Nagas. After a period of violent insurgency a section of the

Nagas signed an agreement with the government of India, but this was not

acceptable to other rebels. The problem in Nagaland still awaits a final

resolution.

In Assam there was big movement against outsiders. In 1979 the All

Assam Students Union (AASU) a students group not affiliated to any

political party, led an anti-foreigner movement. The movement was against

illegal migrations & against faulty voters register, that included the names

of Lakhs of immigrants. The movement demanded that all outsiders who

had entered the state after 1951, should be sent back. In 1985 the P.M of

India Rajiv Gandhi & AASU leaders signed an accord and it was agreed

that those foreigners who migrated into Assam during & after Bangladesh

war will be identified & deported. This brings peace to Assam.

Q NO.09; - Discuss the policies & programmes of National Conference

in J & K State?

Ans; - Muslim conference was formed in 1931, and its name was changed

from Muslim Conference to National Conference in 1938. N.C led sheikh

Mohammad Abdullah started its rule in Jammu & Kashmir after accession

of J&K to India, and S.M. Abdullah was made the Prime Minister of J&K.

After the death of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1982, the party was

divided into two factions ,old National Conference led by Sheikhs son Dr.

Farooq Abdullah & Awami National Conference (ANC) led by Sheikhs Son-

in Law late Ghulam Mohammad Shah.

Party programmes & ideology;

1- National Conference believes in democratic socialism, favours

democracy & secularism.

2- N.C. demands restoration of pre-1953 constitutional position in J&K.

3- The party is in favour of continuation of article 370 of Indian constitution.

4- The party is in favour of state autonomy, unity of state, rehabilitation of

Kashmiri Pandits & rebuilding of economic & political infrastructure which

had collapsed since the rise of militancy in state.

Electoral performance of N.C.

In the first Assembly election of Sept. 1951, N.C secured all the 75 seats.

Sheikh Abdullah remained the Prime Minister until his dismissal in1953 on

the grounds of conspiracy against the state of India. Bakhshi Ghulam

Mohammad became the P.M. of J&K & S.M Abdullah was arrested. In 1965

National conference merged with the Indian National Congress & became

the Jammu & Kashmir branch of the Congress party. Sheikh Abdullah was

again arrested in 1965 until 1968 for conspiracy against the state.

Sheikhs splinter plebiscite front faction later appropriated the name of

original party when Abdullah was allowed to return to power in Feb. 1975

after striking a deal (Indira- Abdullah Accord -1974) with the central govt. In

1977, N.C led by Sheikh won the state assembly elections & Sheikh

Abdullah became the Chief Minster. His son farooq Abdullah succeeded

him as Chief Minster on his death on 8 Sep. 1982. In June 1983 the N.C.

led by Farooq Abdullah again won a comfortable majority. In July 1984 the

Farooqs brother-in-law Ghulam Mohammad Shah split the party. The

governor dismissed the Farooq Abdullah as Chief Minister & installed

Ghulam Mohammad Shah in his place. His government was dismissed in

March 1986 & presidents rule was imposed. In 1987 state assembly

elections the N.C. which formed an alliance with the congress party (Rajiv-

Farooq Accord-1986) won the majority & Farooq again became the Chief

Minister. He was again dismissed in 1990 & Governors rule was imposed in

the state which lasted till 1996. In 1996 state Assembly election N.C won

57 out of 87 seats & formed the govt. But in 2002 Assembly elections N.C

won only 28 seats & remained in opposition In 2008 Assembly elections N.

C won 28 seats & formed an alliance with the congress party which had

won 17 seats & formed a coalition government under the Chief Minister

ship of Omar Abdullah. In the 2014 lok sabha general election, the NC

contested the election in an alliance with Indian National Congress but did

not win a single seat. Out of six seats in the state, PDP and Bharatiya

Janata Party (BJP) won three each.

During Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election, 2014, INC

broke its alliance with JKNC. NC contested all the assembly seats but won

only 15 seats, and decreased to 13 seats. PDP won 28 seats and became

the largest party in the assembly followed by BJP winning 25 seats.Omar

Abdullah resigned as a chief minister on 24 December 2014.

Reasons for the political dominance of N.C

1- Charismatic political leadership.

2- Strong party organization.

3- Absence of well-knit opposition.

4- Populist appeal of the policies & programmes of party.

Q NO 1O; - How can the problem of regionalism be solved or curbed?

Ans; - Regionalism has badly affected the Indian politics, because people

are so much dominated by regional sentiments that they are ready to

sacrifice the national interest for the sake of regional welfare. Following are

the suggestions for curbing regionalism:

1- Spread of right type of education in schools & collages which promotes

national feeling.

2- Politics should be kept free from the influence of language, caste,

religion & region.

3- Minorities should be well protected.

4- An attempt should be made to have balanced progress of all states in

India.

Q NO 11; - How does regional political parties pose a challenge to

unity & integrity of India?

Ans: - Regionalism has badly affected Indian politics. Regional political

parties are the products of regionalism. For the capture of power, they

make the people of their respective regions ready to sacrifice the national

interest for the sake of regional welfare. Regional parties like National

Conference, Akali Dal, Assam Gona Prashad (AGP), Dravida Munetra

Kazagham (DMK) etc. have always taken recourse of regionalism to win

favour of the people of their region. D.M.K in Tamil Nadu demanded

succession from Indian Union in 1960, Akali Dal in Punjab demanded

Khalistan for Punjab, Mizo National Front (MNF) demanded succession

from the Indian Union, N.C in J&K demanded restoration of Pre-1953

constitutional position in J&K.

Q NO 12; - Write a short note on “Naya Kashmir plan” or new Kashmir

plan?

Ans; - Naya Kashmir or new Kashmir is the name given to the

memorandum that sheikh Mohammad Abdullah the N.C leader submitted

to Maharaja Hari Singh the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir state on his return to

Kashmir after attending a meeting of imperial war cabinet of Great Britain

followed by a tour of Europe & Middle East in 1944. It was the outline of the

plan to convert the J&K state from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional

democracy with the Maharaja remaining as the head of the state as the

monarch is in Britain. A detailed economic plan for the development of J&K

state was a part of this plan. The Naya Kashmir plan proved to be

immensely popular in Kashmir as it was the blue print for a welfare state in

advance of its times.