Punjab Accord

The Punjab Accord, signed in 1986, was an agreement between the Indian government and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) aimed at resolving the political crisis in Punjab. The crisis stemmed from demands for an autonomous Sikh homeland, known as Khalistan, which led to militant actions and terrorism in the 1980s.12

Key events leading to the accord included the Indian army's attack on the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in 1984 to dislodge militants, the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation, and subsequent violence against Sikhs. The accord sought to restore peace and stability to the region, which had experienced significant violence and disorder throughout the 1980s. By the early 1990s, Punjab had returned to relative stability, a peace that continued into the 21st century.12