Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Political Science

Chapter

Politics in India Since Independence: Regional Aspirations

Question:

Match the following leaders in List 1 with the description in List 2:

List- 1

List- 2

(A) Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah

(I) assassinated by an unidentified Sikh youth

(B) Angami Zapu Phizo

(II) assassinated by a suspected ‘LTTE’ suicide bomber

(C) Sant Harchand Singh Longowal

(III) spent the last three decades of his life in exile in the UK

(D) Rajiv Gandhi

(IV) advocated autonomy and secularism in Jammu and Kashmir

Options:

(A)- IV, (B)- III, (C)- I, (D)- II

(A)- I, (B)- III, (C)- IV, (D)- II

(A)- III, (B)- II, (C)- I, (D)- IV

(A)- II, (B)- I, (C)- IV, (D)- III

Correct Answer:

(A)- IV, (B)- III, (C)- I, (D)- II

Explanation:

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah (1905-1982) was an influential leader in the context of Jammu and Kashmir, known for his unwavering dedication to the cause of autonomy and secularism in the region. led the popular movement against princely rule, advocating for the rights and self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, Sheikh Abdullah held staunch opposition to Pakistan due to its non-secular character, and he assumed leadership of the National Conference.

Angami Zapu Phizo (1904-1990) was a prominent leader in the movement for an independent Nagaland, a region inhabited by the Naga people in Northeast India. He served as the president of the Naga National Council. Phizo's involvement in the Naga independence movement led to the initiation of an armed struggle against the Indian state. In response to his involvement in the armed struggle and his pursuit of Naga independence, Phizo had to go 'underground' to avoid arrest and persecution by Indian authorities. During this period, he sought refuge in Pakistan. Phizo's life took an unexpected turn when he was eventually exiled from both India and Pakistan. He spent the last three decades of his life in the United Kingdom.

Sant Harchand Singh Longowal (1932–1985) was a prominent figure in Sikh politics and religion. His journey in the political arena commenced in the mid-1960s when he emerged as a leader within the Akali Dal, a significant Sikh political party. In 1980, he ascended to the presidency of the Akali Dal. In July 1985 he reached an agreement with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on key demands put forth by the Akalis. This agreement aimed to address long-standing issues concerning the Sikh community's rights and interests. However, tragedy struck in 1985 when Sant Harchand Singh Longowal was assassinated by an unidentified Sikh youth.

Rajiv Gandhi (1944–1991) served as the country's Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989. He was the son Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and entered active politics after 1980. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi was involved in several crucial developments and policy initiatives. He notably engaged in negotiations with various militant groups in different regions of India, especially Punjab, Mizoram, and with the students' union in Assam. Rajiv Gandhi was also an advocate for economic liberalization and the adoption of computer technology. One of the most controversial and consequential decisions of his tenure was the deployment of an Indian Army contingent in Sri Lanka in response to the Sri Lankan government's request for assistance in resolving the Sinhala-Tamil conflict. Rajiv Gandhi's life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated by a suspected LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) suicide bomber in 1991.