2. Punjab Issue

The social composition of the state changed first with the partition and later on with creation of Haryana & HimachalPradesh in 1966 Much before the independence, in 1920, the Akali Dal was formed as the political wing of Sikhs, which led movement for the formation of a "Punjabi Suba". After partition, the Sikhs were now a majority in the truncated state of Punjab. Hence to fulfill this demand, during the 1970s a section of Akalis began to demand political autonomy for the region. They passed a resolution in this regard in their Anandpur Sahib Conference in 1973. This resolution asserted regional autonomy and wanted to redefine centre-state relationship in the country. They declared their goal of attaining bolbala (dominance or hegemony) of the Sikhs. However, this didn't mean separation from India. The more extreme elements started advocating secession from India & demanded "Khalistan".

The leadership of Akali’s was transformed from moderate to militant elements. Parralel to the Akali militancy, terrorism made its appearance in Punjab in 1981 as partial culmination of communal politics since 1947. These elements they took the path of armed insurgency to get Khalistan. They made the Golden Temple as their headquarters in Amritsar and turned it into an armed fortress. In June 1984, the government of India carried out "operation Blue star" an army action to flush out the militants. It was successfully achieved by Indian army personnel. Meanwhile during the action the holy place got damaged and people's sentiments got hurt and this gave impetus to militant and extremist groups. Later, the bodyguards of our PM Indira Gandhi shot her to avenge the feelings of Sikhs, which was followed by brutal anti Sikh riots.