Chapter 7: Regional Aspirations

1. Match the following:

Nature of regional aspirations	Correct State
(a) Socio-religious identity leading to statehood	(iii) Punjab
(b) Linguistic identity and tensions with Centre	(iv) Tamil Nadu
(c) Regional imbalance leading to demand for Statehood	(ii) Jharkhand / Chhattisgarh
(d) Secessionist demands on account of tribal identity	(i) Nagaland / Mizoram

2. Regional aspirations of the people of North-East get expressed in different ways. Show the States where these expressions are prominently found.

Movements against outsiders: Assam (The Assam Movement led by AASU against illegal migration from Bangladesh).
Movement for separate national existence (Secessionism): Nagaland (Naga National Council) and Mizoram (Mizo National Front).
Movement for greater autonomy: Manipur, Tripura, and tribal districts within Assam (like Karbi Anglong).

3. What were the main provisions of the Punjab accord? In what way can they be the basis for further tensions?

The Punjab Accord (Longowal-Rajiv Gandhi Accord) was signed in 1985.

Main Provisions:

Chandigarh: It would be transferred to Punjab.
Border Dispute: A separate commission would resolve the border dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
Water Sharing: A tribunal would decide the sharing of Ravi-Beas river waters among Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Compensation: Better treatment for those affected by militancy and withdrawal of AFSPA.

Basis for Tension: The non-implementation of the transfer of Chandigarh and the unresolved river water sharing (SYL canal) disputes continue to cause friction between Punjab and Haryana.

4. Why did the Anandpur Sahib Resolution become controversial?

The Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973) became controversial due to differing interpretations:

Federalism vs. Separatism: The Akali Dal claimed it was a plea for greater regional autonomy within the Indian Union. However, the Central Government viewed it as a secessionist document.
“Bolbala”: It used the term bolbala (dominance) of the Sikhs. Critics interpreted this as a demand for a theocratic Sikh nation (Khalistan), fueling communal tensions.

5. Explain the internal divisions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and describe how these lead to multiple regional aspirations in that State.

[Image of Jammu and Kashmir regions map]
The state consists of three distinct regions:

Kashmir Valley: Majority Muslim and Kashmiri-speaking. The aspiration here has historically been for autonomy (Article 370) or separatism (“Azadi”).
Jammu: A mix of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. They often felt neglected by the Valley-dominated government and aspired for full integration with India.
Ladakh: Mountainous region with Buddhist and Muslim populations. They felt their development was ignored and demanded Union Territory status (granted in 2019).

6. What are the various positions on the issue of regional autonomy for Kashmir? Which of these do you think are justifiable?

Positions:

Complete Integration: Removing special status (Article 370) and treating the state like any other.
Greater Autonomy: Restoring the pre-1953 status where the state had significant internal sovereignty.
Separatism: Independence or merger with Pakistan.

Justifiable Position:

Autonomy within the Constitution is often seen as the most justifiable democratic path. It respects the unique historical circumstances of the accession while ensuring the state remains an integral part of India, addressing alienation without compromising sovereignty.

7. The Assam movement was a combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness. Explain.

Cultural Pride: The movement was driven by the fear that the indigenous Assamese culture and language were being swamped by the large-scale influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh.
Economic Backwardness: Despite Assam’s wealth in tea, oil, and coal, the state faced poverty. The people felt their resources were being “drained” to the rest of India without benefiting the locals, creating a sense of colonial exploitation.

8. All regional movements need not lead to separatist demands. Explain by giving examples from this chapter.

Regionalism often seeks a fair share of power within the nation rather than separation.

Tamil Nadu: The Dravidian movement started with separatist rhetoric but settled for power within the Union once linguistic demands (anti-Hindi imposition) were met.
New States: Movements for Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh were about administrative efficiency and development, not leaving India.

These examples show that democratic accommodation can resolve regional aspirations.

9. Regional demands from different parts of India exemplify the principle of unity with diversity. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Yes, I agree.
India’s federal structure allows for “Unity in Diversity” by:

Strengthening Democracy: Regional demands allow specific local grievances to be heard and resolved.
Power Sharing: Creating linguistic states or autonomous councils has integrated diverse groups rather than alienating them.
Multiple Identities: One can be a proud regional patriot (e.g., Mizo, Punjabi) and a proud Indian simultaneously.

10. Read the passage by Bhupen Hazarika and answer the questions.

(a) Which unity is the poet talking about?
The poet refers to the deep cultural and historical unity of the Assamese people with the smaller tribal nationalities (like Karbis and Misings) of the North-East.

(b) Why were some States of North-East created separately out of the erstwhile State of Assam?
They were created to satisfy tribal aspirations. Communities like the Khasis and Mizos wanted to preserve their distinct languages and cultures, fearing they would be lost under the dominance of the Assamese language and administration.

(c) Do you think that the same theme of unity could apply to all the regions of India? Why?
Yes. The theme implies that the majority must respect the minority to maintain unity. In India, national unity relies on the “big brother” regions or communities treating smaller ones with affection and equality, embodying the spirit of federalism.