Democracy in India - A Perspective of the Challenges Faced — Important Questions

Operation Bluestar

Step 1: In the 1980s, extremist Sikh elements led by J.S. Bhindranwale had taken refuge inside the Golden Temple in Amritsar and were using it as a base for violent activities. Step 2: The situation had deteriorated badly with widespread killings of Hindus and moderate Sikhs in Punjab. Step 3: The Indian Government decided that military action was necessary to restore order and remove the armed extremists from the sacred complex. Step 4: This military operation was named 'Operation Bluestar' and was carried out in June 1984. Step 5: Unfortunately, this action became one of the triggers for the

Ladakh - Buddhists, Jammu - Hindus, Kashmir Valley - Muslims

Step 1: Jammu and Kashmir is a diverse state with three geographically and culturally distinct regions. Step 2: Ladakh, the northernmost and highest region, has a majority of Buddhist population influenced by Tibetan culture. Step 3: Jammu, the southernmost region, has a majority Hindu population. Step 4: The Kashmir Valley, the central and most politically sensitive region, has a majority Muslim population. Step 5: This diversity is important to understand the political dynamics of the region. In 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status of J&K under Article 370 and bifurcated

Article 370

Step 1: When Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India in 1947, it was given a special autonomous status. Step 2: This special status was enshrined in Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which gave J&K its own constitution and restricted the application of Indian laws to the state. Step 3: In August 2019, the Government of India abrogated (revoked) Article 370, removing J&K's special status. Step 4: On 11 December 2023, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India unanimously upheld this decision. Step 5: Following the abrogation, J&K was also bifurcated into two Union Territories — Jammu & K

Mizoram would be given the status of a full State and the MNF would abandon violent activities

Step 1: Mizoram was originally a Union Territory where the Mizo National Front (MNF) under Laldenga was demanding independence through violent insurgent activities. Step 2: Negotiations took place between the Government of India and the MNF leadership. Step 3: The Mizoram Accord of 30 June 1986 had two key provisions: the followers of Laldenga would abandon all violent activities, and in return, Mizoram would be elevated to the status of a full State. Step 4: Following the accord, elections to the Legislative Assembly were held and Laldenga himself became the Chief Minister of the new State of