The Punjab Accord included the withdrawal of the application of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Punjab.
After ascending to power subsequent to the 1984 election, the newly appointed Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi embarked on a diplomatic engagement with moderate Akali leaders. By July 1985, he successfully reached a consensus with Harchand Singh Longowal, the President of the Akali Dal. This milestone agreement, recognized as the Rajiv Gandhi - Longowal Accord or the Punjab Accord, aimed to restore stability in Punjab. The accord outlined several crucial points: Chandigarh's transfer to Punjab, the establishment of a dedicated commission to settle the border dispute between Punjab and Haryana, and the creation of a tribunal to determine the equitable allocation of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Additionally, the agreement encompassed provisions for compensating and providing improved treatment for those affected by the insurgency in Punjab. Moreover, it encompassed the withdrawal of the application of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Punjab. |
