Question

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 neighbouring States?

Answer 1

Punjab Accord was an agreement signed between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of Akali Dal in 1985 to be known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi Longowal Accord’ also to create normalcy in Punjab:

1. Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.

2. To appoint a separate commission to resolve border dispute between Punjab and Haryana.

3. To set up a tribunal to settle down the sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

4. To provide agreement for compen-sation to better treatment to those affected by militancy in Punjab.

5. To withdraw the Armed forces special power Act ip Punjab.

But, peace could not be established easily in Punjab and resulted as follows :-

1. It led to many excesses by police and violation of human rights.
2. It fragmented the Akali Dal.
3. President’s rule was imposed and normal political process was suspended.
4. Hence, Political process could not be restored in this atmosphere. Even during elections in 1992, only 24% electors turned out to vote. Consequently above mentioned added to tension between Punjab and its neighbouring states.