Skip to Content

Regional Aspirations NCERT Political science CBSE class 12 Notes Humanitas

CBSE Class 12 Political Science NCERT Chapter Notes for Regional Aspirations Humanitas
24 April 2025 by
Regional Aspirations NCERT Political science CBSE class 12 Notes Humanitas
Humanitas

Regional Aspirations NCERT Political science CBSE class 12 Notes Humanitas

CBSE Class 12 Political Science NCERT Chapter Notes for Regional Aspirations Humanitas


India's diversity is its strength but it also presents a challenge. The country has faced many obstacles in maintaining unity, but it has always found a way to overcome them. This chapter explores India's autonomy movement from armed conflicts to government negotiations and peaceful settlement, thereby illustrating the nation's distinctive approach to balancing unity with regional identities.

Characteristics of Autonomy Movements

As the 1980s unfolded, India was ablazed with the regional autonomy movements, marked with armed assertions, state repression and democratic deficit. These conflicts were marked by the following: 

  • Armed Assertions and People's Resistance: these movements were the manifestation of long-simmering grievances and the deep-seated desire for autonomy, identity and justice. 
  • Governmental Repression and Conflict: government often responded to these armed assertions with repressions and conflict which further aggravated the confrontations. States' violent response towards these movements have sometimes led to intensified and prolonged conflicts. 
  • Collapse of Democratic Systems: as the conflicts raged on, democratic systems began to crumble. And the very fabric of governance was torn apart. The disruptions often portrayed the long held discontent from the government within these regions. 
  • Negotiated Settlements and Agreements: The resolutions of these conflicts typically entailed negotiated settlements and agreements between the central authority and regional actors, seeking to establish a mutually acceptable framework and address the underlying grievances. 
  • Constitutional Framework for Resolution: Efforts were made to reach an agreement on the basis of constitutional framework. These efforts were taken to ensure that solutions were in conformity and were consistent with the legal and governance structure of the nation.
  • Raucous and Violent Path to Agreement: Reaching these agreements was not easy. The process was rocky, with some violent episodes. Negotiations were tough showing just how deep-seated the issues were and how different the interests of the parties involved were. 


Indian Approach: Unity in Diversity

In contrast to European Nations, India's approach to governance, has consistently emphasised the importance of cultural diversity, acknowledging regional identities as an integral component of its democratic framework. 

This inclusive approach enables the expression of regional concerns, ensuring their consideration in policy making and mitigating anti-national sentiments. 


Tension Points in Nation-Building

True challenge for India began after its independence. Since then, it has faced a number of issues, which includes:

  • Partition and Displacement: the country suffered the tragic fate of partition into India and Pakistan leading to mass migration resulting in casualties and social upheaval. 
  • Integration of Princely State: Influencing the kings of princely states to become part of Indian union was another daunting task, which India was able to fulfill through negotiations and agreements. 
  • Jammu and Kashmir: The partition of the country has resulted into long standing conflict over Kashmir, creating India-Pakistan rivalry and local democratic aspirations. 
  • Regional Independence Movement: some areas like Nagaland and Mizoram continue to ask for independence through movements based on distinct regional identities. 
  • Linguistic State Movements: the country also saw the rise of demand for reorganization of states on the basis of language, affecting states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat. 
  • Language Controversies: When the country declared Hindi language as an official language, there was a rise of movements which reflected linguistic diversity and regional languages importance. 
  • Formation of New States: since there was a rise in the demand for separate states, New States like Punjab, Haryana, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand were formed. 
  • Unresolved Challenges: despite various efforts, there are some challenges that remain unresolved which include complex issues in areas like Kashmir and Nagaland. 

Tensions in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir has been a major point of contestation between India and Pakistan for a long time. The state has three main regions: Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, each with its own unique culture and politics.

The Kashmir region is mostly muslim and speaks Kashmiri language, while Jammu has a mix of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, speaking different languages. 

Ladakh with its buddhist and muslim population, add to the complex identity of Kashmir and its desire for autonomy. 

Key Points:

  • Princely State and Autonomy: Before 1947, Jammu and Kashmir was ruled by Hari Singh, a Hindu monarch who wanted autonomy and was considering joining either Pakistan or India. Pakistan was demanding control over Kashmir because of the State's Muslim majority. The people however saw themselves as Kashmiris. 
  • National Conference Movement: Sheikh Abdullah, who led the National Conference, wanted to get rid of the King and didn't want to join Pakistan. Partly because his organisation had worked with the congress party before. 
  • Conflict and Accession: in 1947, Pakistan sent a group of tribal infiltrators to take over Kashmir which led Maharaja to ask for help. India agreed, but only after Maharaja signed the document called Instrument Of Accession. The plan was to figure out what the people of Kashmir wanted for themselves and their future once things calmed down. 
  • Sheikh Abdullah’s Leadership: Later in 1948, Sheikh Abdullah became the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and India promised to respect the state's autonomy. 

Internal and External Dimensions

  • In 1947, Pakistan's relentless pursuit of Kashmir sparked a tribal invasion, forever altering the region's destiny. 
  • “Azad Kashmir” emerged under Pakistani control while India bestowed Jammu and Kashmir with special autonomy through article 370. This granted the state its own constitution and degree of independence from Indian laws.
  •  Yet the autonomy has become a double edged sword, with some wanting Jammu and Kashmir to fully integrate with India, while others deeming the autonomy insufficient. 

Post-1948 Political Changes

  • Sheikh Abdullah was a key figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics, introducing reforms that improved the lives of its citizens. 
  • However, his relationship with the Indian government was complicated, and he was eventually dismissed in 1953. This led to a period of unstable leadership and claims of election rigging. 
  • Sheikh Abdullah made a comeback in 1974, after talking things through Indira Gandhi. 
  • But in 1987, a disputed election sparked a militant movement demanding independence for Kashmir. 
  • Pakistan's backing of militants caused years of turmoil and military rule. 
  • In 1996, Farooq Abdullah's party suggested giving more power to local regions. 
  • The 2002 elections were considered fair, but the ruling party changed to a coalition of the PDP and Congress. 
  • Even so,  separatist groups kept popping up, demanding independence, joining Pakistan or wanting more autonomy. 

Current Status and Way Forward

  • People in Jammu and Kashmir started to move away from militancy and towards peace, which led to talks with separatist groups.
  • Instead of fighting for independence, they started to focus on renegotiating the state's relationship with india. 
  • Although there are many different opinions, the state's multicultural and secular identity has endured.
  •  Jammu and Kashmir’s story shows just how tough it is to balance autonomy, unity and diversity in a complicated political landscape. 

Punjab's Autonomy Struggles

Punjab's Evolution and Social Changes

  • The 1980s ushered in an era of profound transformation for Punjab, shaped by the aftermath of partition and the formation of neighbouring states, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. 
  • After becoming a state in 1966, Punjab was predominantly sikh, with the Akali Dal enjoying a profound influence.
  • Although they held power in 1967 and 1977, their coalition was shaky and they faced internal conflicts within the Sikh community, largely driven by caste and class differences. 
  • In the 1970s, some akali dal members started pushing for regional autonomy,which was outlined in the 1973 Anandpur Sahib Resolution. This resolution aimed to change how the central government interacted with states and promoted Sikh’s interest. 
  • However, people interpreted it in different ways, ranging from wanting more state control to seeking independence. After the Akali government was dismissed in the 1980s, issues like water distribution and sikh identity fueled protest. Some extremist groups even demanded secession and the creation of Khalistan. 
  • Things took a turn for the worse when the Golden Temple was occupied leading to Operation Blue Star, which tried to stop militancy but ended up hurting Sikh’s feelings. The assasination of Indira Gandhi in 1984, led to massive anti Sikh riots, leaving thousands dead. 
  • The Longowal Accord in 1985, was a step towards making things right, dealing with issues like territory, water sharing and compensation.
  • However, the government’s action to control the situation led to human rights abuses and the imposition of president's rule. 

Transition and Renewal

  • Punjab’s road to recovery involved elections, but not many people showed up to vote. 
  • The militant group started to wane by the late 1990s. 
  • The Akali Dal and BJP teaming up and winning in 1997 elections was a big deal, showing the region was getting back on track.
  • As Punjab focussed on growing and changing people's religious identities was still important, but they started to take a backseat to a more secular way of thinking. 

The North-East: Autonomy, Secession, and Complex Politics

The North-east, often called the “Seven Sisters” occupies a strategic position as India's gateway to Southeast Asia, sharing international borders with China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. 

Since independence, the region has undergone significant political reorganizations resulting in the emergence of states such as Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. 

Despite facing challenges related to isolation and socio-economic development, the region's politics is categorized by the demands for autonomy, secessionist Movements and resistance to external influences.  

Autonomy Struggles and Reorganization

  • In Assam, Autonomy demands rose because of linguistic and cultural differences, which were made worse by the government by imposing an Assamese language. The indigenous clans’ aspiration for secession led to the establishment of the Eastern India Tribal Union, subsequently renamed as All Party Hill Leaders  Conference. 
  • Despite the attainment of statehood by Tripura and Manipur, diverse communities such as Bodos, Karbis and Dimasas continue to pursue autonomy through public mobilisation and insurgency. District with Autonomous Councils was formed to address these aspirations. 
  • In a tumultuous landscape of India's northeast, the quest for autonomy and independence has been a long standing blood stained saga. The Mizo Hill autonomy within Assam, for instance, fueled the Mizo National Front’s (MNF) armed struggle for independence, culminating in a two-decade conflict. The Mizoram accord, facilitated by mature leadership and negotiations, marked a pivotal turning point.
  • In contrast, Nagaland’s aspirations for independence spearheaded by Naga National Council’s armed struggle, have yielded partial agreements, yet a comprehensive resolution remains elusive.

Mizo National Front (MNF): From Conflict to Resolution

  • The Mizo National Front led by Laldenga was formed in response to the Mizo’s people discontent, and it quickly turned into an armed struggle for independence in 1966. This led to two decade long conflict with the Indian army, with the MNF using guerilla tactics and finding refuge in east pakistan. 
  • The Indian army responded with force, which only made Mizo people more resentful. However, when Laldenga returned from exile, things started to change. 
  • He began talking to the Indian government under Rajiv Gandhi's leadership, and in 1986 they reached a ceasefire agreement. 
  • This resulted in Mizoram attaining statehood, and Laldenga became the chief minister, leading to an era of peace and progress in the region. 

Nagaland's Struggle and Unresolved Path

  • The parallels  between Nagaland's and mizorams experience are striking. 
  • Angami Zapu Phizo 1951 Declaration of Independence, precipitated protracted conflict  as Phizo rejected successive settlement proposals, prompting the Naga National Council's armed resistance 
  • While some groups eventually made peace with India, others are still holding out, showing just how tough it is to resolve these kinds of conflicts, which have secessionist aspirations. 

Anti-Outsiders Movement: ASSAM

  • The northeast region has faced a distinct challenge due to excessive migration. The influx of newcomers whether from within India or abroad has generated concerns among indigenous populations regarding competition for power, influence and scarce resources such as land. 
  • This issue has assumed a politicised and occasionally violent dimension in several northeastern states. A notable example is the Assam movement which occured between 1979 and 1985. 
  • The Assamese population expressed concerns regarding the presence of a substantial number of unauthorised muslim settlers from Bangladesh. 
  • They feared that if these foreign nationals were not identified and deported, the native assamese would become a minority.
  • Despite possessing an abundance of natural resources including coal, oil and tea, Assam struggled from poverty and unemployment.
  • The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), a non-partisan student organisation, spearheaded the movement in 1979, to address the issue of immigration. 
  • In the heart of Assam, a storm was brewing. The Assam movement, a turbulent six year journey from 1979 to 1985, was sparked by the presence of undocumented workers, foreign dominance and fake votes. 
  • The movement advocated for the expulsion of all immigrants who arrived in the country after 1951. To mobilize support, the movement employed innovative tactics, organising assamese people from all walks of life and garnering support from across the state. 
  • Unfortunately, the movement was also marked by violent incidents which led to destruction of property, and death of people. The movement also affected the movement of trains and oil from Assam to Bihar refineries.
  • After lengthy negotiations, the Rajiv Gandhi administration and AASU leaders signed an agreement in 1985. 

The 1958 Accord

  • In the aftermath of the Bangladesh conflict, the Assam Accord decreed that all migrants who had flocked to Assam would be hunted down and deported.
  • From the ashes of the movement, a new political force emerged, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Bron from the merger of Asom Gana Sangram Parishad, and the All Assam Students' Union, the AGP swept to power in 1985, vowing to solve the issue of immigrants and create a “Golden Assam”.
  • Though the Assam Accord brought a measure of peace, the immigration crisis continued to simmer, creating a possibility of future conflict.
  • The issue of outsiders is still a contemporary issue in the northeast region especially in the state of Assam. 
  • In Tripura, the situation has become worse as the native people are now a minority in the region.
  • The same kind of tension is prominent in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh towards Chakma refugees. 


Lessons from these Movements

  • Significance of Regional Interest: Regional Interest holds paramount significance in democratic politics, as evidenced by their impact in diverse countries such as India and smaller nations like the United Kingdom. The distinct aspirations of regions like Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland demonstrate the importance of acknowledging regional concerns. Furthermore, separatist movements in regions such as Spain's Basque Country and Sri Lanka's tamil area highlights the need for addressing regional grievances. 
  • Continuous Addressing Regional Demands: In a country as diverse as India, it's crucial to keep listening to addressing regional concerns. Building a nation is an ongoing progress that requires being proactive and engaging with regional issues to keep everyone on the same page, thereby ensuring harmony. 
  • Dialogue over Repression: Dialogue based approaches have proved to be more efficacious than repressive measures in managing regional aspirations, as they facilitate open communication, foster empathy and prevent grievances from escalating into conflicts or separatist movements. 
  • Importance of power sharing:  a formal democratic structure in isolation is insufficient. Governments and regions need to have a say in what happens in the country, so everyone feels included in the decision making process. Exclusion from National discourse can culminate into perceptions of injustice and alienation.
  • Addressing Regional Economic Disparities:  addressing regional economic disparities is crucial, as imbalances can foster grievances and discontent. Effective policies aimed at uplifting underdeveloped areas can mitigate regional tensions. 
  • Adaptive Federal Structure: India's federal structure is pretty flexible that helps when dealing with different challenges. Some states in Jammu and Kashmir and those in north east have special rules that take into account their unique situations. This ensures a feeling of inclusivity. 
  • Empowerment through Constitutional Clauses: Constitutional measures have also been really helpful in addressing problems in the northeast, for example the sixth schedule gives tribal control over their own land. 

Discouraging Separatist Aspirations, Promoting Regionalism: to ensure democratic stability, it is essential to discourage separatist movements while promoting regionalism. Recognising and respecting unique identities and aspirations of different regions can help to ensure a unified nation.

Explore Other resources from Humanitas: 


Share this post
Tags
related posts
Archive