CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17: Regional Aspirations NCERT Solutions

Solution: The correct matching of regional aspirations with the states is as follows:

1. (a) Socio-religious identity leading to statehood corresponds to (iii) Punjab, where religious and cultural identity played a significant role in the demand for statehood.
2. (b) Linguistic identity and tensions with the Centre corresponds to (iv) Tamil Nadu, which had a strong linguistic identity and asserted its position against the central government.
3. (c) Regional imbalance leading to demand for Statehood corresponds to (ii) Jharkhand/Chhattisgarh, states formed due to perceived economic and developmental imbalances in their parent states.
4. (d) Secessionist demands on account of tribal identity corresponds to (i) Nagaland/Mizoram, where tribal identities fueled movements seeking greater autonomy or separate existence.

Therefore, the complete match is: (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i).

Solution: The North-Eastern region of India is characterized by diverse ethnic groups and distinct regional aspirations, which manifest in various forms of movements.

1. Movements against outsiders: These movements are often driven by concerns over immigration and its impact on local culture and economy. States like Assam have historically seen significant movements against perceived 'outsiders'.

2. Movement for greater autonomy: Many groups within the North-East seek more self-governance within the Indian Union, leading to demands for enhanced powers for existing states or the creation of autonomous councils. States like Meghalaya and parts of Arunachal Pradesh have seen such demands.

3. Movement for separate national existence: In some instances, regional aspirations have escalated to demands for complete independence or a separate nation. This has been prominent in states like Nagaland and Mizoram at different historical periods.

To represent this on a map, different shades would be used for states where each type of movement is or has been prominently active. For instance, Tripura, Mizoram, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh could be highlighted to show these varied expressions of regional aspirations.

Solution: The Punjab Accord, also known as the 'Rajiv Gandhi Longowal Accord', was signed in 1985 between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the President of the Akali Dal. It aimed to bring normalcy to Punjab after a period of militancy and unrest. The main provisions included:

1. Transfer of Chandigarh: Chandigarh was to be transferred to Punjab.
2. Border Dispute Resolution: A separate commission was to be appointed to resolve the territorial disputes between Punjab and Haryana.
3. River Water Sharing: A tribunal was to be set up to settle the sharing of the Ravi-Beas river waters among Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
4. Compensation and Rehabilitation: Agreement for compensation and better treatment for those affected by militancy in Punjab.
5. Withdrawal of Special Powers: Withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Punjab.

However, the implementation and interpretation of these provisions led to further tensions:

• Chandigarh's Status: The issue of Chandigarh's transfer and its status remained a point of contention, as Haryana also laid claim to it.
• Inter-State Water Disputes: The sharing of river waters, particularly the Ravi and Beas, continued to be a source of friction between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, as the tribunal's decisions were not always accepted by all parties.
• Border Adjustments: The process of resolving border disputes between Punjab and Haryana was complex and often led to further disagreements over territory.
• Lingering Unrest: Despite the accord, peace was not fully restored immediately, and the period saw excesses by security forces and human rights violations, which added to the overall tension and mistrust between the state and its neighbours. The low voter turnout in the 1992 elections indicated the fragile political atmosphere.

These unresolved issues and the complex implementation process contributed to ongoing tensions between Punjab and its neighbouring states.

Solution: The Anandpur Sahib Resolution, passed by the Akali Dal in 1973, became a significant point of controversy due to its objectives and interpretations.

The resolution aimed to:

• Assert regional autonomy for Punjab and redefine the Centre-state relations in favour of greater state powers.
• Promote the 'bolbala' (dominance) of Sikhs in Punjab, reflecting the community's aspirations.

It became controversial for several reasons:

1. Ambiguity and Interpretation: While presented as a demand for greater federalism, certain clauses were interpreted by opponents as a blueprint for a separate Sikh nation, challenging the integrity of India.
2. Political Context: The resolution gained prominence during a period of political instability and growing regional assertiveness. Its demands were seen by the central government as a threat to national unity.
3. Association with Extremism: Over time, the movement associated with the resolution, particularly concerning issues like water sharing, was increasingly influenced by extremist elements. This shift from moderate Akali politics to armed insurgency led to the resolution being blamed for fueling secessionist sentiments.
4. Dismissal of Akali Government: The dismissal of the Akali government in the 1980s and the subsequent political developments further politicized the resolution and its associated demands.

Consequently, the Anandpur Sahib Resolution became a symbol of Sikh political aspirations and a focal point of conflict between the Akali Dal, the central government, and various other political groups, contributing significantly to the turmoil in Punjab.

Solution: The State of Jammu and Kashmir, prior to its reorganization, was characterized by significant internal divisions based on geography, demography, and culture, which fostered multiple regional aspirations.

The state comprised three distinct regions:

1. Kashmir Region: Primarily the Kashmir Valley, it is the most populous region, predominantly Muslim, with a significant Kashmiri-speaking population. It also has a small Kashmiri-speaking Hindu minority. This region has historically been the centre of political and social movements in the state.
2. Jammu Region: Located in the southern part of the state, Jammu is characterized by a Hindu majority, though it also has significant Muslim and Sikh populations. It comprises foothills and plains and has its own distinct cultural and political identity.
3. Ladakh Region: Situated in the eastern part of the state, Ladakh is sparsely populated and geographically distinct. It is divided between a Buddhist majority in areas like Leh and a Muslim majority in areas like Kargil. Its unique cultural and geographical isolation has led to separate aspirations.

These internal divisions have given rise to multiple and often conflicting regional aspirations:

• Kashmiri Nationalism and Separatism: A significant strand of aspiration, particularly from the Kashmir Valley, has been for a separate Kashmiri nation, independent of both India and Pakistan.
• Merger with Pakistan: Some groups have advocated for the state, or parts of it, to merge with Pakistan.
• Greater Autonomy within India: A strong aspiration across different regions is for greater autonomy for the state within the Indian Union, often emphasizing the special status granted by Article 370.
• Intra-State Autonomy: Demands for autonomy are not just between the state and the Centre but also within the state itself. Jammu and Ladakh regions have often expressed aspirations for greater self-governance and distinct political representation, feeling marginalized by the dominance of the Kashmir Valley.

In the current scenario, these diverse aspirations continue to shape the political discourse, with various groups seeking to renegotiate the relationship of the region with the Indian Union or seeking internal adjustments to address regional grievances.

Solution: The issue of regional autonomy for Kashmir has seen several positions and demands emerge over the years, reflecting the complex political and historical context of the region.

The various positions on regional autonomy for Kashmir include:

1. Fulfilment of Accession Promise: One key position is based on the initial accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India. It is argued that the accession was conditional on a reference to the people after the tribal invasion of 1947 normalized. Since this reference (often interpreted as a plebiscite) has not been fully conducted as promised, many Kashmiris feel their right to self-determination has been denied, leading to demands for a plebiscite or greater autonomy.
2. Erosion of Special Status: Another perspective highlights the perceived erosion of the special federal status guaranteed to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Many in Kashmir feel that successive central governments have undermined this special status, leading to a demand for its restoration or for greater autonomy to protect regional identity and rights.
3. Intra-State Autonomy: As discussed in the previous question, there are also strong demands for autonomy within the state itself. The Jammu and Ladakh regions, in particular, have often felt that their regional aspirations and identities are overlooked due to the political dominance of the Kashmir Valley. They seek greater self-governance and distinct political arrangements within the larger framework of the state.
4. Integration and Development: Some positions favour closer integration with India, emphasizing the benefits of development, economic progress, and security that come with being part of the Indian Union. This view often advocates for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring equitable development across all regions.

Justification of Positions:

Evaluating the justifiability of these positions involves considering historical promises, constitutional provisions, and the aspirations of the people in different regions.

• The demand for greater autonomy, whether for the state as a whole or for its constituent regions, can be seen as justifiable within the framework of India's federal structure, which allows for diverse regional identities and aspirations. The historical context of accession and the special status under Article 370 provide a basis for such demands.
• The calls for intra-state autonomy by regions like Jammu and Ladakh are also justifiable as they reflect the legitimate desire of distinct populations for self-governance and recognition of their unique identities, preventing feelings of marginalization.
• While the demand for a plebiscite is rooted in historical promises, its practical implementation is complex due to the changed geopolitical realities and the integration of the state into India. However, the underlying sentiment for self-determination and addressing grievances remains a crucial aspect.
• Positions favouring closer integration can be seen as justifiable if they genuinely lead to equitable development, security, and the protection of rights for all residents of Jammu and Kashmir, addressing the root causes of alienation.

Ultimately, a just solution would likely involve a combination of respecting regional identities, ensuring genuine autonomy within the constitutional framework, addressing historical grievances, and promoting inclusive development for all regions of Jammu and Kashmir.