Question -
Answer -
Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed at the conference of Akali Dal at Anandpur Sahib in 1973:
- The Anandpur Sahib Resolution asserted regional autonomy and wanted to redefine the centre-state relationship in the country.
- The resolution also spoke of the aspirations of the Sikh qaum (community or nation).
- Sikhs aspirations aimed at bolbala (dominance or hegemony) of the Sikhs.
- The Resolution was a plea for strengthening federalism, but it could also be interpreted as a plea for a separate Sikh nation.
However, it became controversial because:
- Due to the lack of popularity of Akali Dal resolution had a United appeal.
- Akali government was dismissed in the 1980s it lost its importance.
- The Akali Dal launched a movement on the question of the distribution of water between Punjab and its neighbouring States.
- A section of the religious leaders raised the question of autonomous Sikh identity.
- The more extreme elements started advocating secession from India and the creation of ‘Khalistan’.
- So, the movement went into the hands of extremist elements from moderate Akalis and converted into an armed insurgency for which Anandpur Sahib Resolution considered responsible.