Road to Peace:

In August 1985 the newly elected PM of India, Rajiv Gandhi signed an agreement with Harchand Singh Longowal the then President of Akali Dal which was known as "Rajiv Gandhi- Longowal Accord or the Punjab Accord". This was a positive step towards bringing normalcy to Punjab.

Basic feature of the Accord:

1. Transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab.

2. Sharing of Water through tribunal between Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana.

3. Compensation for those who suffered from militancy.

4. Revocation of AFSPA from Punjab.

This accord didn't facilitate peace immediately. Militancy and counter insurgency violence continued which led to human rights violation. Fragmentation of Akali Dal also started. Normal political process was suspended and President's rule was imposed. Gradually the military was eradicated by the security forces. Peace returned to Punjab by the middle of 1990's. The alliance of BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal emerged as victorious and brought back democratic process in the state.