40 years on, Punjab Accord remains a missed opportunity

Signed 40 years ago, the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord — a landmark agreement in Indian political history aimed at bringing peace and normalcy to Punjab — is seen as a case of “missed opportunity” to address the border state’s longstanding issues through dialogue and negotiation.

- Gurpreet Singh Nibber

The pact, inked on July 24, 1985 in New Delhi between then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, was seen as an attempt by the Centre to reconnect with Punjab and its people who were feeling alienated and resolve state’ pending matters. The accord, however, faced stiff opposition from both within Punjab and neigh-bouring Haryana, resulting in implementation challenges.

Some of the key provisions of the accord were: Transferring Chandigarh to Punjab, establishing a commission to resolve the boundary dispute between Punjab and Haryana, establishing a tribunal to address the Ravi-Beas river water-sharing dispute, providing compensation for those affected by the violence and addressing grievances of the Sikh community.

According to the experts, the Punjab accord was not successfull due to poor follow-through, political opposition, trust deficit, and assassination of Longowal.