ETHNIC PROBLEMS AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE: THE CASE OF PUNJAB CRISIS

This analytical study examines the complex relationship between ethnic problems and political violence through the case study of the Punjab crisis in India during the mid-1980s. The article explores the historical roots of ethnic mobilization in Punjab, analyzing how religious, linguistic, and regional identities have intersected with political demands and economic grievances. The research investigates the evolution of the Punjab crisis from political agitation to armed insurgency, examining the roles of various actors including Sikh political parties, militant groups, the Indian government, and external influences. The study assesses the impact of the crisis on different segments of Punjabi society, including rural and urban communities, different caste groups, and religious minorities. The article analyzes the Indian government's response strategies, including political negotiations, security operations, and constitutional measures. The research also evaluates the regional and international dimensions of the Punjab crisis and assesses prospects for conflict resolution and political normalization. Furthermore, the analysis draws broader lessons about ethnic conflict management in multi-ethnic democracies.

The Punjab crisis represented one of the most serious challenges to Indian democracy during the 1980s, with this article providing a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between ethnic problems and political violence in the mid-1980s context. The research begins by examining the historical roots of ethnic mobilization in Punjab, tracing the evolution of Sikh identity politics from colonial period through post-independence developments and analyzing how religious, linguistic, and regional factors have shaped contemporary political demands. The analysis explores the economic dimensions of the conflict, investigating how agricultural transformation, industrial development, and resource distribution issues have influenced political mobilization and grievance formation. The article investigates the evolution of the Punjab crisis from political agitation to armed insurgency, examining the roles of various actors including mainstream political parties, religious organizations, militant groups, and external supporters. The study assesses the impact of the crisis on Punjabi society, analyzing how violence has affected different communities, economic activities, social relations, and cultural life in the region. The research evaluates the Indian government's response strategies, including political initiatives like the Rajiv-Longowal Accord, security operations against militants, and constitutional measures to address regional demands. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the article analyzes both the specific dynamics of the Punjab crisis and the broader lessons it offers for understanding ethnic conflict in multi-ethnic democratic states. The findings provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between identity politics, economic development, and political violence and contribute to understanding how democratic systems can manage serious internal conflicts while preserving constitutional principles and human rights.