Understanding the Punjab Accord of 1985

The Punjab Accord, officially known as the 'Memorandum of Settlement', was a significant agreement signed in July 1985. Its primary objective was to bring normalcy and peace to the state of Punjab, which had been facing unrest.

This historic agreement was the result of negotiations between the Government of India and the Shiromani Akali Dal, a major political party in Punjab. The accord aimed to address various political, territorial, and religious issues that were central to the Punjab problem at the time.

Key Signatories of the Punjab Accord

The Punjab Accord of July 1985 was signed by two key figures representing the respective parties:

• On behalf of the Government of India: Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India.
• On behalf of the Shiromani Akali Dal: Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The signing of this accord was seen as a crucial step towards resolving the complex situation in Punjab and restoring peace.

Analyzing the Options for the Punjab Accord

Let's examine the given options in the context of the Punjab Accord signed in July 1985:

• Rajiv Gandhi and Aakash Singh Badal: While Prakash Singh Badal (not Aakash Singh Badal) is a prominent leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal and has served as Chief Minister of Punjab multiple times, he was not the signatory on behalf of the Akali Dal for the 1985 Punjab Accord.
• Rajiv Gandhi and Tara Singh: Master Tara Singh was a veteran Sikh political leader, but he passed away long before 1985. He was a key figure in earlier periods of Punjab politics, not the signatory of the 1985 Accord.
• Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal: This option correctly identifies both the Prime Minister of India at the time, Rajiv Gandhi, and the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal who signed the accord, Sant Harchand Singh Longowal.
• Rajiv Gandhi and Baint Singh: Beant Singh was a Congress leader who later became Chief Minister of Punjab. He was not involved in signing the Punjab Accord in July 1985 as a representative of the Akali Dal.

Based on historical facts, the Punjab Accord in July 1985 was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal.

Revision Table: Punjab Accord Facts

Additional Information on the Punjab Accord

The Punjab Accord covered several aspects aimed at resolving the issues in the state. Some of the key points included:

• Transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab.
• Setting up a commission to resolve the boundary dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
• Establishing a tribunal to decide the sharing of Ravi-Beas river waters.
• Compensation for victims of agitation and army action in Punjab.
• Withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from Punjab.
• Steps for the rehabilitation of army deserters.

Despite the signing of the accord, its implementation faced significant challenges and controversies over time. Sant Harchand Singh Longowal was tragically assassinated shortly after signing the accord, which further complicated the situation in Punjab.