Key Points

Unlike many European nations that saw diversity as a threat, India adopted a democratic approach, allowing political expression of regional aspirations and balancing unity with diversity.

In 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India after Pakistan-sponsored tribal infiltrators attacked the state. This led to the conflict over the region and its special status under Article 370.

Externally, Pakistan claims Kashmir. Internally, disputes existed over the degree of autonomy, with some Kashmiris demanding a plebiscite or greater autonomy, while others wanted full integration with India.

On August 5, 2019, the Indian government revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, reorganizing the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Led by figures like E.V. Ramasami 'Periyar', this movement opposed Brahmin dominance and the political and cultural domination of North India, successfully using democratic means to gain political power.

The Akali Dal passed this resolution demanding regional autonomy and a redefinition of centre-state relations. It became controversial as some interpreted it as a plea for a separate Sikh nation.

The Indian government conducted this military operation to flush out militants who had made the Golden Temple in Amritsar their headquarters. The action damaged the holy shrine and hurt Sikh sentiments.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984, leading to widespread anti-Sikh violence, particularly in Delhi, where over two thousand Sikhs were killed.

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi signed an accord with Akali Dal leader Harchand Singh Longowal to restore normalcy. It included transferring Chandigarh to Punjab and resolving water-sharing disputes.

The politics of the North-East has been dominated by three main issues: demands for autonomy within India, movements for secession to form separate countries, and opposition to 'outsiders' or migrants.

In Mizoram, the Mizo National Front (MNF) led by Laldenga waged an armed struggle for independence. In Nagaland, the Naga National Council under Angami Zapu Phizo demanded sovereignty for Nagas.

After two decades of insurgency, a peace accord was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and MNF leader Laldenga. Mizoram was granted full statehood, and the MNF gave up its secessionist demands.

From 1979 to 1985, the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) led a movement against illegal migrants from Bangladesh, demanding their detection and deportation.

The movement ended with an accord signed with the Rajiv Gandhi government. It stipulated that foreigners who migrated to Assam after March 24, 1971, were to be identified and deported.

Following a democratic movement against the Chogyal monarch and a referendum, the Sikkim Assembly passed a resolution for full integration. Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union.

The Indian army liberated Goa, Daman, and Diu from Portuguese colonial rule in December 1961. Goa became a full-fledged state of India in 1987 after an opinion poll rejected its merger with Maharashtra.

Key lessons include that regional aspirations are a normal part of democracy and are best addressed through negotiation and power-sharing, not suppression. Balanced economic development is also crucial to prevent alienation.