All questions of Regional Discontent for UPSC CSE Exam

The main demand of the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the Assam Gana Sangram Parishad during the anti-illegal migration movement in Assam in the 1980s was the sealing of Assam's borders.

- Sealing of Assam's borders: One of the primary demands of the AASU and the Assam Gana Sangram Parishad was to seal the borders of Assam to prevent further illegal migration from Bangladesh. They argued that unchecked migration was leading to demographic changes in the state, threatening the cultural, linguistic, and economic interests of the indigenous Assamese population.

- Anti-illegal migration movement: The movement gained momentum in the early 1980s with widespread protests, strikes, and civil disobedience. The protesters demanded the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants and the implementation of measures to protect the rights of the indigenous population.

- Assam Accord: The movement culminated in the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, which addressed the issue of illegal migration by agreeing to detect and deport foreigners who had entered Assam after March 24, 1971. The Accord also outlined measures for safeguarding the cultural, linguistic, and constitutional rights of the indigenous Assamese people.

- Legacy: The anti-illegal migration movement in Assam was a significant chapter in the state's history, reflecting the concerns of the indigenous population about demographic changes and the preservation of their identity. The demand for sealing Assam's borders continues to be relevant today, as the issue of illegal migration remains a contentious issue in the state.

The severe underdevelopment of Assam was primarily attributed to unfair treatment by the central government, which had neglected its development, discriminated against it in the allocation of central funds, and allowed outsiders to control its economy and resources.

Bengali migration

The eruption of tragic language riots in Assam in July 1960 can be attributed to the issue of Bengali migration. The migration of Bengali-speaking people from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to Assam had been a long-standing concern for the Assamese population. The influx of Bengali migrants was viewed as a threat to the cultural, linguistic, and economic interests of the indigenous Assamese population.

Background:
- Assam, located in Northeast India, shares a long border with East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
- The partition of India in 1947 resulted in the creation of East Pakistan, a predominantly Bengali-speaking region.
- The migration of Bengali-speaking people from East Pakistan to Assam began in the 1950s due to various factors such as economic opportunities, political instability, and communal tensions.
- The Assamese population, which consisted of various ethnic groups, became increasingly concerned about the demographic changes caused by the influx of Bengali migrants.

Reasons for Assamese concerns:
1. Cultural and linguistic identity: The indigenous Assamese people feared that the increasing number of Bengali-speaking migrants would dilute the Assamese culture and language. They believed that their unique identity was under threat.
2. Economic competition: The Assamese population also felt that the migrants were taking away job opportunities and resources, leading to economic hardships for the locals.
3. Political representation: The fear of losing political power was another concern. The migrants, if granted citizenship rights, could potentially influence the political landscape of Assam.

Tragic language riots in July 1960:
- The tensions between the Assamese population and the Bengali migrants escalated, leading to violent language riots in July 1960.
- The riots primarily targeted Bengali-speaking people and their properties. Several people were killed, injured, and displaced during the riots.
- The riots had a significant impact on the social fabric of Assam and further deepened the divide between the Assamese and Bengali communities.

Importance of Bengali migration in Assam's history:
- The issue of Bengali migration continued to be a major concern in Assam's politics for several decades.
- It eventually led to the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, which aimed to address the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh and protect the interests of the indigenous Assamese population.

In conclusion, the eruption of tragic language riots in Assam in July 1960 was primarily caused by the concerns and tensions arising from the migration of Bengali-speaking people from East Pakistan to Assam. The riots were a manifestation of the deep-rooted anxieties regarding cultural, linguistic, and economic interests of the indigenous Assamese population.

Special Status of Jammu & Kashmir
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was enacted to provide special autonomy to the region of Jammu and Kashmir. This provision recognized the unique circumstances surrounding the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India in 1947.
Key Features of Article 370:
- Autonomy: Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed significant autonomy, allowing the state to have its own constitution and a high degree of legislative power.
- Limited Applicability of Indian Laws: Most laws passed by the Indian Parliament were not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir unless the state government agreed to them.
- Residency Rights: The state had the authority to define its residents and provide special rights and privileges to them, which included restrictions on property ownership for non-residents.
Revocation of Article 370:
On August 5, 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status granted under Article 370. This significant move led to the following:
- Integration into India: The region was fully integrated into India, and the Indian Constitution became applicable in its entirety.
- Impact on Rights: The revocation resulted in the removal of the unique privileges that residents of Jammu and Kashmir had previously enjoyed.
Conclusion:
Article 370 played a crucial role in defining the relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Union. Its revocation marked a pivotal moment in the region's history, impacting its governance and the rights of its residents. Understanding this article is essential for anyone studying the political dynamics of India, especially in the context of Jammu and Kashmir.

The resurgence of terrorist activities in Punjab in the late 1980s was primarily due to the soft policies of the state government, which allowed militant groups to take advantage.

The major provision of the Punjab Accord signed in 1985 was the sharing of water resources through a tribunal between states, addressing a key issue related to water distribution.

The main external issue concerning Jammu & Kashmir is Pakistan's claim on the Kashmir valley, which has been a major point of conflict between India and Pakistan since 1947.

According to the Assam Accord, foreigners who entered Assam between 1961 and 1971 were to be denied voting rights for 10 years but could enjoy all other citizenship rights.

The imposition of the Assamese language, making it the sole official language and medium of instruction, was one of the factors that hampered the evolution of the Assamese identity and led to demands for separation by many hill tribes.

After the end of militancy in the mid-1990s, the alliance of Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in Punjab.

The creation of Bangladesh in 1971 had a significant impact on Assam's demographic composition. After the creation of Bangladesh, there was a large-scale illegal immigration into Assam and nearby northeastern states from Bangladesh, leading to a demographic transformation and apprehensions among many Assamese.

During the 1950s, one of the major issues in the Northeast was related to state boundaries, where ethnic and cultural specificities were ignored during the delineation process, leading to discontentment and the assertion of identity. This issue was further exacerbated by the influx of migrants from neighboring states and countries, which contributed to the complex social character of the region and territorial organization.

The main objective of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973 was to demand greater political autonomy for the Punjab region within India, not secession.

Operation Blue Star in 1984 resulted in the successful flushing out of militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, although it also caused damage to the holy place.

On August 15, 1985, the Assam Accord was signed by then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The accord laid out provisions related to citizenship for foreigners who entered Assam during specific periods, economic development projects, and safeguards for the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of Assamese people.

The Assam Accord promised to provide legislative and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity and heritage of Assamese people. These safeguards were aimed at addressing the concerns related to the demographic changes and cultural preservation in Assam.

Following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984, anti-Sikh riots occurred across the country, leading to widespread violence against Sikhs.

The objective of the Rangnath Mishra Commission formed after the Punjab Accord was to investigate the killing of innocent Sikhs during the 1984 riots, seeking justice for the victims.

The Assam Gana Parishad (AGP) was formed by leaders of the anti-foreigners movement in Assam and was elected to power in December 1985.

Punjab had a demand for Punjabi to be the official language during the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956.