The following questions will be taken up for the discussion on 29 Dec 2013. Please prepare answers referring to the 7th report of 2nd ARC.
- The Constitution of India had been drafted by the framers of the Constitution for containing and moderating the conflicts. comment.
- How linguistic conflict has been resolved after independence. (Ref. India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha)
- Do you consider Mizoram issue as a successful attempt in ethnic and secessionist conflict resolution? Comment.
- Examine the Assam hindu-muslim conflict of 2012.
- Examine the conflict resolution of Darjeeling Hills.
- Lack of responsive and good governance is often responsible for violent conflicts. Comment
- Make brief notes on the following
- Gorkha National Liberation Front
- Khalistan
- Rajiv Gandhi- Longowal Accord July 1985
The Constitution of India had been drafted by the framers of the Constitution for containing and moderating the conflicts. comment.
ReplyDeleteThe framer of the Constitution were aware of the diverse nature of the Indian society at the time of Independence. The in egalitarian nature of the society made the framers take 2 years 11 months and 18 days to debate, draft and finally adopt one of the finest Constitution. The choice made to adopt the Democracy has been the most appropriate as India being a multi-ethnic state was more prone to have conflicts and Democracy is the most potent instrument for containing and moderating conflicts.
The Preamble of the Constitution states the philosophy of the Constitution. It summarises the aims and objectives of the Constitution. Justice, liberty. equality, fraternity, secularist and democratic features. These create a space for individual development and in turn a sustainable development of the nation.
A conflict in a multi-ethnic country can pop-up if an individual or a group feels that they are being treated badly. These feeling may arise due to historical socio-economic inequalities or poor governance of their needs and concerns. to avoid situations like these Constitution promises the minorities justifiable fundamental rights under article 30, i.e. right to establish and administer their own educational institutions, Article 25,26 and 29 giving freedom to manage religious affairs combined with rights provided to any section of citizens to conserve their languages, scripts or culture. This portrays the humanistic approach of the framers.
Another conflict resolution measure in the Constitution is provision for amendments
in keeping with the changing times and the enshrinement of affirmative action in favour
of the traditionally disadvantaged sections of society.
Founding fathers were aware of the fact that the democratic inegalitarian economic structure will be more prone to conflicts in future. There farsightedness made them for a Constitution that lays down duties for the State governments too, so that they administer the interests of economically disadvantaged group in a better way. They not only created an independent judiciary bit also created various conflict resolution institutions too like water disputes, disputes between the states etc.
After considering all the above fact, Indian constitution stands as the most efficient tool that the Government has to contain and moderate the conflicts.
the absence of conflict may be impossible so maturity of society is judged by mechanism of conflict resolution not the complete absence of it. the more broad based and impartial the mechanism the less will be discontent and dissatisfaction among people. the state with the impartial judiciary is the final arbiter of all conflict.
Deleteindia was and is a mosaic of various language, culture and ethnicities, not only tolerating each other but also accepting and harmonizing all the diversity. democracy is necessary for conflict resolution and national building in such type of pluralistic society. democracy provide way for mutual respect, understanding and process of dialogue to dissipate misunderstanding.
constitutional provision for conflict resolution and prevention ---
when india got freedom there were widespread inequality in terms of economic as well as social status. though political inequality was easily addressed by providing universal franchise and minimal requirement for contesting election but it was very difficult to transform a traditional, unequal society from social and economic point of view to an egalitarian and democratic society. these disparity and inequality if left unaddressed, in long run leads to the intense conflict. no doubt that democracy is necessary to contain and moderate these conflict but require various measure to aid it. so our constitutional framer inserted many provision in the constitution to work towards the more egalitarian society. these include
1. under article 25, right to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.
2. under article 26, right to manage religious affairs
3. under article 29, right provided to any section of citizens for conservation of script, culture and language.
4. under article 30, right of minorities based on the religion to establish and administer education institution.
these rights were given under the fundamental rights making judiciary the ultimate protector and guarantor of these right so that nobody can violate them. while these provision were inserted in constitution to fulfill the present demand of that time some measure were also inserted keeping in mind the broad and long sighted vision of development.provision for amendment to balance the demand of change with time, federal structure of governance with strong center,mechanism for dispute resolution between states, empowering state to intervene in economic policy for eradication of poverty, reservation for disadvantaged people etc were some of the example.
various governments were also took different measure to contain with time to time such as carving out states to stregthen democracy, constitutional provision to PRI, various welfare schemes etc. these provison and chnages made in constitution helped in containing as well as resolving many dispute.
Sandy you hav written a well researched and balanced answer but i feel tht a structure was missing. But it helped me to revise the topic well. A little bit of grammar needs correction.
DeleteHow linguistic conflict has been resolved after independence?
ReplyDeleteThe history of the conflict resolution in India had been a story of both success and failure. After independence the linguist reorganisation of India was encourages and supported by Mahatma Gandhi. when Independence finally came Gandhi thought that the States should be formed on the basis of the languages. But after consultations with colleagues it was states that the reorganisation of the states should be carried on after the current situation of partition and religious riots are resolves. But soon Gandhi was dead and so the creation of new provinces came to a halt.
After this a committee was set up 'JVP Committee' after the initials of the members i.e. Jawahar, Vittal and Pattabhi Sitaramayya to work on the reorganisation. But it was a a 'cold water therapy' and slowed the things for a while. In 1948-1949 there was a renewal of movements aimed at linguistic autonomy. There were campaigns for samyukta Karnataka, aiming to unite Kannda speakers spread across the states of Madras, Mysore, Bombay and Hyderabad. Marathis speakers in one single political unit. The Malayalis wanted a state of their own, based on the merger of the princely states of Cochin and Travancore with Malabar. There was also Mahagujrat movement. In a class of its own was the struggle for Sikh state in Punjab. This brought together claims of language as well as religion.
Without question the most vigorous movement for the linguistic autonomy was that of the Telugu speakers of the andhra. Andhra demonstrated the escalated level of tension which experienced hartals, fasts unto death, violent protest by the locals. This was reached at this level because Jawahar Lal Nehru and the CM of Madras C. Rajgopalachari were not willing to resolve the issue. But Andhra State was created in the year 1952 and inaugurated on 1 October 1953.
As Nehru had feared, with the formation of Andhra Pradesh on the linguistic basis, the similar demands were made by other linguistic groups also. The GoI appointed States Reorganisation Committee though against their will. Between 1954-55 members of the Commission travelled across the country. The report submitted by the SRC was a balanced one according to which they suggested homogeneity as an important factor conducive to administrative convenience and efficiency and yet not as an exclusive and binding principle, over riding all other considerations.Among these considerations were, of course, the unity and security of India as a whole. With regards to north India, the SRC likewise sought to divide the huge Hindi-speaking belt into four states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In the east the provinces were not interfered with. the Commision rejected the demands for Tribals states to be formed out of BIhar and Assam and also quashed the demand for the creation of a Sikh state.
The movement for the linguistic states generated the deep apprehensions among the nationalist elite. they feared it would lead to Balkanization of India, to the creation of many more Pakistans. In retrospect, however, linguistic reorganisation seems rather to have consolidated the unity of India.
identity is often evocative. the sense of identity can contribute in the warmth and strong relationship among people having common identity. Linguistic identity had played very important role in the evolution and development of various societies. language is best medium for socio-economic and educational development of people. it was rightly felt by congress during the struggle for independence. congress promised to create provinces on the basis of language however partitioning of country on the basis of religion made Nehru to withdraw his plan due to the fear of balkanization of country. he thought that redrawing of map on the lines of language would be against the integrity of India and it would be wise to delay the plan till the country become mature. But after independence people started demanding for state on the basis of linguistic and cultural similarity. among all the movement, movement for andhra was one of the most intense one. this led to the formation of JVP committee for considering the question of state reorganization on the basis of language. after analyzing all the facts JVP committee refused the demand. Potti sreeramulu, a Gandhian started his fast unto death against the refusal of demand but government reluctance to take any firm decision resulted in the death of him and subsequent violent protest and riots. after realizing the condition Nehru announced creation of Andhra on the basis of linguistic lines. creation of Andhra started fresh protest in all parts for similar demand and resulted in the creation of first state organization commission under the chairmanship of Fazal Ali.however this commission also didn't give preference to the redrawing of the map on the basis of language but this time Govt. accepted the demand from various region and stated creation of states on the basis language. after sometime of reorganization of states on linguistic lines it became clear that it is not going to hurt the very principle of unity and integrity of India rather than it eminently helped in the consolidation of India vis a vis containing and moderating the main reason for rise of conflicts.
DeleteDo you consider Mizoram issue as a successful attempt in ethnic and secessionist conflict resolution? Comment.
ReplyDeleteThe State with its history of violent insurgency and its subsequent return to peace is an example to all other violence affected States. But the Mizoram issue has been resolved with exemplary success. The ethnic and secessionist conflicts that had been prevailed in Mizoram was intensified with the armed insurrection that persisted in Mizoram for more than 2 decades. The movement lead by the Mizoram National Front was carrying racial and religious motives too and declared the aim of secession of Mizoram from the Indian Union. The armed rebellion started in 1966 and it continued till 1980s. The armed rebellion was intense and claimed a lot of lives. The Mizoram Accord of 1986 pacified the rebellions and brought the rebellion to a halt. Major contribution of that lead to the halt of the rebellion was by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. His sincered efforts have lead to the foundation of negotiations. The two Mizo leaders namely undisputed insurgent leader Pu Laldenga and the then Chief Minister Pu Lal Thanhawala have been equally responsible for resolving the issue. CM Thanhawala's stepping down from the post of CM in favour of Laldenga has been a landmark move as well. the work of the Mizo civil society, especially the women who
had been the most aggrieved and affected during the periods of violence, had moderating influence and pressure on the rebellion too.
Mizo union formed in 1946 and opposed the colonial rule along with congress. conflict between mizo and indian government started after famine in 1959 when mizo felt neglected by center. Mizo national famine front later renamed to mizo national front demanded for autonomy or secession in 1962. after that government of india and mizo tried many times for settlement for dispute but with no result. final resolution taken place in 1986 under the government of rajiv gandhi. period between 1962 to 1986 was resulted into massive violent protest leading economic as well loss of thousand of human life. there main personalities rajiv gandhi, insurgent leader Pu ladenga and the then CM Pu lal thanawala played major role in resolving conflict. government of india signed mizo accord which consist of various demanded of mizo including
Delete1. statehood for mizoram
2. resettlement and rehabilitation of underground personnel
3.separate HC for mizoram
4. .separate university for mizoram
This was one of the noble example of conflict resolution in Indian history however defining it as a successful attempt to conflict resolution is bit contrary considering the massive loss of life, loss of trust among people and economic loss. various reason like delay in putting institutional mechanism to prevent loss of life, negligence of issue, instability of government due to war and emergency, lack of understanding and faith between center, state and insurgent group took long time in conflict resolution.
Gorkha National Liberation Front
ReplyDeleteGorkha National Liberation Front was formed in 1980 by Subhash Ghisingh with an aim of demanding Gorkhaland state in India. In 1980s, GNLF lead a very intensive armed rebellion for the creation of separate Gorkhaland for Nepali speaking region of West Bengal. The movement reached its peak around 1985–1986. On 22 August 1988, the GNLF, under Subhash Ghisingh.
Framers of our constitution tried to incorporate provisions in the constitution of india so as to contain the conflicts before they could take form of a violent movement.By enshrining fundamental rights & other safeguards in the constitution for various backward classes, castes and religion founding fathers of our constitution triee to structure a document which prevents the formation of such conflicts.As conflicts often arise out of administrative highhandedness towards backward classes coupled by the elitist policies of the Govt so constitution ringfenced the interests of all the communities by inclusion of Articles 30 which permits minorities to run their own educational institutions,Art 29 which permits any section of society to preserve their language ,script and Article 26 which allows freedom to manage religious affairs ,to the constitution.The very reason behind these provisions by the founding fathers of our constitution was to highlight their humanistic approach.Further a problem takes the form of a conflict when a section of society feels deprived and cutoff from the mainstream developmental processes.The feeling of Alienation from the systemand its structure futhers the discontent.At this stage people resort to govt help by requesting authoritied to help alleviate their problems.Now this is the most oppurtune movement to prevent the creation of a conflictby taking appropriate steps to address the problem.Founding fathers of our constituion made sure that adequate safeguards and mechanisms are provided in the constitution itself for the backward and minorities to enable State to form eagalitarian and socially inclusive policies so that the conflicts are contained and nipped in the bud.
ReplyDeleteQ:Do you think Mizoram issue as a successful attempt in ethic and secessionist Conflict resolution ?Comment
ReplyDeleteA: The formation of Mizo National Front in1961 from the Mizo National Famine front (a body formed for famine relief in 1959) is an important chapter in the Mizo secessionist movement.The MNF sought soveriegn independent state and staged an armed insurrection on 28th feb 1966 against the govt.The uprising though suppressed & MNF outlawed ,the demand for a separate independent Mizo state took the form of a separate state but within Indian republic.Indian govt didnt overlook the demands of Mizo people with its traditional fire-fighting measures or a wait and watch policy.The signing of Mizoram Accord in June 1986 was a significant step which resolved yhe conflict & Mizoram was declared a full fledged state .The signing of the accord and subsequent conflict resolution was done through sincere efforts on the part of the then PM rajiv gandhi which helped in building of mutual trust which is the cornerstone of any conflict resolution mechanism.Govt acted timely and with an intent to solve the conflict.It didnt allow it to linger on by providing adhoc temporal solution which would have only resulted in a temporary solution and repeated cyclical reoccurrences of secessionist tendencies in Mizoram.
Contribution of cm thanhawala n mnf leader laldenga n also the role women could be added too. But a well formed answer,
DeleteQ: Examine the conflict Resolution of Darjeeling Hills ?
ReplyDeleteA:The demand for a separate administrative unit in Darjeeling has existed since 1907 when Hillmen's Association of Darjeeling submitted a Memorandum to Minto-Morley Reforms demanding a separate administrative setup.After independence the demand for greater odentity for Gorkha ethnic group & economic freedom for the community gathered force.A violent agitation carried out by Gorkha National Liberation front in 1980s led to the establishment of a semiautonomous body in 1988 called Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council(DGHC)to govern certain areas of Darjeeling District .However in 2007 Gorkha Janmukti Morcha(GJM) raised the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland once again.
Consequently in 2011GJM signed agreements woth State and central govts which resulted in the formation of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration(GTA) replacing DGHC.After recent decision of central govt to bifurcate AP by carving out Telangana has flared up demands of Gorkhaland again with bandhs being called by GJM in which people were asked to voluntarily stay inside their homes causing embarassment to the govt.
The struggle for Gorkhaland has impacted the tourism and tea industry the two main contributors to its economy.
Queen of Hills as it is called attracts many tourists from not only different states in india but from abroad too.The agitation by Gorkhaland supporters creates instability which prevents touritd from coming to Darjeeling thus contributing to financial losses.Further ,Darjeeling contributes 7% to the total tea output of India.Agitation is causing tea industry to suffer immensely and is slowly loosing its credibility and reliability in international markets estimated that these agitations have already caused an estimated loss of 60-80 Cr yo both tea and tourism industries in financial year 2013-14.
Its an irony that the Gorkhaland agitation which started with a backstory of economic freedom and development of Gorkha community is now causing them to suffer economically.
People in the tea growing region of Darjeeling in India are ethnically and culturally different from the rest of Bengal. But due to a quirk of fate, Darjeeling and its adjoining areas became a part of West Bengal after India's independence in 1947. However even long before India's independence, the hill people have been demanding for a separate administrative setup, which has been ignored by the ruling classes. In the 80s this led to a full blown agitation under the leadership of Subhash Ghising who formed the Gorkha National Liberation Front demanding for a separate state of Gorkhaland. It took up cause of other Gorkha people residing in different parts of the country like Meghalaya. In Meghalaya there had been trouble between Gorkha residents and local people. The violence took a worse shape but it was controlled by a tripartite agreement negotiated between the Union Government, the GNLF and West Bengal in 1998. In the national interest GNLF called of the agitation and dropped the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland, it was also agreed to form Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council for the education, social and cultural development of Darjeeling. These negotiations brought a halt of 5 years and restored peace in the region. But the leaders were placated by the formation of a semi-autonomous body the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The demand and the movement have now caught steam after India announced the creation of Telangana, a new state carved out of Andhra Pradesh.
DeleteLuv i find ur answer maneuvering here and there.. though you have mentioned all imporatant points but i guess the para tht talks abt economy of darjeeling is a lil out of place. Rest is fine
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