Question

“India has accepted expressions of regional aspirations to strengthen the national integrity.” Support the statement with two examples.

Hint:

Accommodation of regional demands through democratic federal arrangements strengthens unity; forced assimilation fuels division.

Answer 1

Concept: Unlike many nations that view regional diversity as a threat to national unity, India adopted a democratic approach that accommodates regional identity, political autonomy, and linguistic diversity within the constitutional framework to strengthen national integration. Two Specific Supporting Examples:
• Linguistic Reorganisation of States (1950s): In the early 1950s, popular movements demanded state boundaries drawn along linguistic lines (e.g., Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat). Critics feared this would divide India. However, accommodating these aspirations through the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 satisfied regional cultural pride, eliminated linguistic grievances, and deepened political participation, ultimately making national unity far stronger and resilient.
• The Mizoram Peace Accord (1986): Following two decades of armed secessionist insurgency led by Laldenga's Mizo National Front (MNF), the Indian Government chose political accommodation over pure military force. Under the 1986 Mizoram Accord signed under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Mizoram was granted full statehood with special constitutional protections under Article 371G. Laldenga became Chief Minister through elections, transforming Mizoram from an insurgent zone into one of the most peaceful, integrated states in India.