South Asia in the Post Cold War Era: NBSE Class 12 Pol Science

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Get summary, textual answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF to NBSE Class 12 (Arts) Political Science Chapter 13 “South Asia in the Post Cold War Era”. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.

Introduction

This chapter delves into the political dynamics of South Asia, with a particular focus on the role of military in Pakistan’s politics, the struggle for democracy in Bangladesh, and the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. It also discusses the influence of external powers on the region and the role of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

South Asia, a region that includes countries lying south of the Himalayas and surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal, is of strategic importance due to its economy, resources, and geographical position. It serves as a link between Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

In Pakistan, the military has played a significant role in politics since 1958, with several generals, including Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Musharraf, seizing power. Despite periods of civilian rule, the military’s influence remains strong, with the current Prime Minister, Imran Khan, described as a puppet of the army.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, has experienced political turmoil since its independence in 1971. After a decade of military rule, democracy returned in 1990. However, the country continues to grapple with political instability.

In Sri Lanka, the ethnic conflict between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority has been a major challenge. Despite the end of the civil war in 2009, the core issue of regional autonomy remains unresolved.

The chapter also highlights the role of SAARC in fostering regional cooperation and addressing common problems such as poverty, hunger, and disease. However, the organization faces limitations, including apprehensions about India’s dominance and Pakistan’s reluctance to remove trade barriers.

Textual questions and answers

A. Long answer questions

1. Discuss the role of Military in Pak politics and also examine other main factors responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy. (Or) Pakistan has had a poor record as a democratic nation. What are the main hurdles in the path of building a stable democracy in Pakistan?

Answer: The military has played a significant role in Pakistan’s politics. For instance, “The Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf seized power in October 1999. Nawaz Sharif was exiled to Saudi Arabia. In 2001 Pervez Musharraf declared himself as President of the country. The elections held in 2002 were a farce. Pervez Musharraf’s popularity declined considerably. Benazir Bhutto returned from exile in October 2007 to lead the pro-democracy movement in Pakistan. She was assassinated on December 27, 2007.

Furthermore, on 18 August 2018 Imran Khan was sworn in as Pakistan’s new Prime Minister. His Cabinet included many such persons who served as Ministers during Gen. Pervez Musharraf’s military regime. He ruled as a puppet of the military..

The main factors responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy are as follows: 

Hold of the Muslim Clergymen: There is a saying that the three pillars, which sustain governments in Pakistan are: Allah (clergymen), Army (Military) and America (USA). There has always been a hold of the clergymen over politics in Pakistan. 

Reliance on the Army: Since the very beginning Pakistanis have been fed on anti-India propaganda. They continued to believe that India, was determined to grab Pakistan. They believed that country’s security depended on army staying in power.

Not Enough International Pressure on Pakistan to act in a truly Democratic Way: Had USA or the international community exercised pressure on Pakistan, that could definitely lead to some positive results. Unfortunately it has not happened so far. The United States and other Western powers supplied the most sophisticated weapons and fighter planes to Pakistan. Pakistan is a nuclear power. 

Stronghold of Terrorists: Pakistan has become a stronghold of terrorists. Hundreds of hardliners fled into Pakistan after the overthrow of Taliban regime from Afghanistan. They enjoyed army’s patronage there. 

Lack of Charismatic Leaders: India was fortunate to have many charismatic leaders (like Nehru, Azad, Rajendra Prasad, Babu Jagjivan Ram, Gobind Ballabh Pant, and others), alive for many years after Independence. Only Sardar Patel could not be available to guide the nation for long. But Pakistan’s founder Jinnah and another popular leader Liaquat Ali Khan did not survive for long. Their successors were too weak to provide political stability to the country.

2. Attempt an essay on a prolonged phase of political instability in Bangladesh. Does Bangladesh have political stability now-a-days?

Answer: In August 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated, leading to a phase of political instability in Bangladesh. The Chief of Army Staff, General Ziaur Rahman took the reins of administration in his hands. Political instability set in when General Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in May 1981. Justice Abdus Sattar became the Acting President of the country. In March 1982, General Ershad became the Chief Martial Law Administrator of the country, and in December 1983, he became the President of the country.

A mass movement for the Restoration of Democracy started in the country. General Ershad was removed from office and Shahabuddin Ahmed took over as Acting President. In the General Elections held in 1991, Bangladesh National Party headed by Begum Khaleda Zia emerged victorious. Begum Zia became Prime Minister of the country. But in 1996, Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of the slain leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In 2001, Begum Khaleda Zia again became the Prime Minister of the country.

Elections to the Bangladesh Parliament were held in December 2008. On 5 January 2009, Awami League’s leader Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as the country’s new Prime Minister. In 2014, Sheikh Hasina assumed the reins of power once again, following a General Election. This suggests that Bangladesh has achieved a degree of political stability in recent years.

3. What factors contributed to ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka? What efforts have been made by India towards resolving the problems of Tamils in Sri Lanka?

Answer: The following factors contributed to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka:

• The Freedom Party propagated that Sri Lanka belonged to Sinhalese only. The Tamils could not obtain Sri Lankan Citizenship.
• The Tamils had many sufferings inflicted on them by the rulers. They were required to have their living licenses renewed every now and then.
• Sinhalese was declared to be the only national or Official language of Sri Lanka.
• Under the newly enacted land reform laws, the Tamils were dispossessed of their lands.
• As attacks on the Tamils went on increasing, they began thinking in terms of ‘self-rule’. In 1972 they raised their demand for a separate ‘Tamil State’ (Tamil Eelam). In 1976 was formed a militant organization called LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). In 1983 the Sri Lankan forces killed hundreds of Tamils.

Efforts made by India towards resolving the problems of Tamils in Sri Lanka were:

• An historic accord was arrived at between India and Sri Lanka on 29th July, 1987. Its salient points were: (i) Sri Lanka would not be partitioned. The Northern and the Eastern provinces where Tamils had a majority would be merged together; (ii) after their merger a provincial council (Legislative Assembly) would be set up to make laws for the Tamil region.
• The Indian Peace-Keeping Force (IPKF) went there on the invitation of the Sri Lankan government. It did a commendable job in restoring peace and order there. But most of the Sri Lankans were against the presence of Indian Army on their soil. The process of withdrawal of Indian forces concluded in March 1990.
• India continued to support the legitimate aspirations of the Tamils. On December 5, 2002 Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE agreed that the grant of “internal self-determination” or regional autonomy could be the basis of the settlement of the Tamil questions. But in 2006 the Sri Lankan Supreme Court annulled the merger of Northern and Eastern provinces.

4. Examine the main causes responsible for conflicts between India and Pakistan. Do you believe that Pakistan’s support to acts of terrorism should cease in order to build good neighbourly relations between the two countries?

Answer: the main causes responsible for conflicts between India and Pakistan are:

The Kashmir Issue: Soon after India’s partition, Pakistan sent armed tribesmen, along with her regular troops, to invade Kashmir. The ruler of Kashmir sought India’s help to meet the situation and signed the Instrument of Accession. Later the Constituent Assembly of Kashmir formally accepted Kashmir’s accession to India. This valid accession was never acceptable to Pakistan.

Attack on Chhamb Area: In August, 1965 Pakistan mounted an attack on Chhamb area of Jammu and Kashmir. The war lasted till September 23. This was followed by an agreement known as Tashkent Declaration. Both the countries agreed to withdraw their forces to pre-war positions and settle all their disputes peacefully.

War with Pakistan and Emergence of Bangladesh: In 1971 there was a war between India and Pakistan over the question of the liberation of Bangladesh (former East Pakistan). India rendered people of East Pakistan her full support. Pakistan launched a massive air attack on India. The War continued for about two weeks. The Pak Army General surrendered unconditionally to India and the Bangladesh liberation forces. The Shimla Agreement helped in the normalization of relations between the two countries.

Dispute over Sharing of Rivers’ Water: There was also a dispute over the waters of rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab that flow through Kashmir to Pakistan. India adopted a liberal attitude in this regard. In 1960 with the help of World Bank an Indus Waters Treaty was signed by the two countries.

Vajpayee’s Visit to Lahore, but Pakistan’s Agenda Clashed With Ours: In February 1999 Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee embarked on a historic trip to Pakistan by bus. He said, “I seek abiding peace and harmony with Pakistan.” The Lahore Declaration seemed to ease the situation. But very soon we saw the Kargil incursions. Pakistan troops captured Batalik, Kargil and Muskoh ranges in Kashmir. Our armed forces heroically regained those ranges. The President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharaff visited India in 2001. But the Agra Summit failed to resolve the deadlock. In December 2001 the terrorists struck at our Parliament House. In November 2008 their target was Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Hotel. Pakistan’s aid and support to acts of terrorism have claimed thousands of innocent lives so far.

India has reason to distrust Pakistan: Shri Narendra Modi invited SAARC leaders, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to his swearing-in ceremony on 26 May 2014. That was a bold move on the part of Prime Minister Shri Modi. But Pakistan has been violating ceasefire along the Line of Control and infiltrating militants into Kashmir.

5. Describe SAARC’s role in bringing about cooperation among member-nations.

Answer: SAARC’s role in bringing about cooperation among member nations includes:

• Members signed a SAARC convention on Narcotic Drugs in 1990 to combat the problem of drug trafficking and drug abuse.
• The Year 1995 was declared as the ‘SAARC Year of Poverty Eradication.’
• The Decade 2001-2010 was designated the ‘SAARC Decade of the Rights of the Child.’
• India made a gesture to implement SAFTA. It is importing many goods from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) without customs duties.
• SAARC Development Fund (SDF) was created in 2005, with three Windows or Aspects (Social, Economic and Infrastructure) for funding regional projects in the SAARC countries.
• SAARC Food Bank was operational with a total stock of 243,000 million tons of foodgrains contributed by all member-states.
• India is also implementing the projects in the areas of Telemedicine and Shuttle Breeding of Pulses in Bhutan and Rural Solar Energy Electrification in Sri Lanka.
• Commercial activities and cultural contacts have very much increased through SAARC Trade Fairs, Handicrafts Exhibitions, Folklore Festivals and Festivals of Literature.

6. What are the main limitations or failures of SAARC at present? How do the outside powers influence bilateral relations between the SAARC- nations?

Answer: The main limitations or failures of SAARC at present are:

• Some of India’s neighbours, especially Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, have been under a misapprehension that India was likely to dominate the whole of South Asia.
• As long as India-Pakistan tensions continue, the SAFTA will remain a scrap of paper.
• The Declaration that terrorism should be brought to an end has no value, if the member-nations did not do enough to root out terror.
• Our neighbours also feared that India, by means of its bold economic decisions or commercial pursuits, could influence their social life.

Outside powers influence bilateral relations between the SAARC nations in the following ways:

• During the Cold War era, American attitude continued to be anti-India. America set up a powerful military base in Pakistan. During Bangladesh liberation struggle (1969-71) India supported the people of East Bengal, whereas America gave Pakistan a pat on the back. Soviet Union (Russia), on the other hand, remained India’s trustworthy friend throughout.
• After the end of the Cold War, the US involvement in South Asia very much increased. Following economic reforms and globalisation of Indian economy, the flow of US goods and money in India has considerably increased. The US launched a massive attack against Talibans and other terrorist organisations in Afghanistan. India pledged full support to US War effort.
• China funded and armed Maoists in Nepal. India was also worried by China’s Strategic Partnership with Pakistan. She helped Pakistan to become a nuclear power. China’s strategy has been to spoil India’s game in South Asia.

B. Short answer questions

7. What is South Asia?

Answer: South Asia is a region that includes the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives. It is a very important region of Asia, being skirted by the Indian Ocean, this region links Europe and Africa to Asia and Australia and the Pacific Ocean connects the region with the North and South America. Myanmar is also included in South Asia. China is a formidable power but is not a part of this region.

8. Write a brief note on the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf in Pakistan.

Answer: The military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq in Pakistan began in 1977 when he ousted Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Zulfikar Bhutto was tried for the murder of a political opponent and executed in April 1979. There was a movement to establish democracy in the country. In the General Elections held in 1985 there was no participation of political parties. General Zia ul-Haq termed this system of government as ‘Partyless Democracy’. These elections, in fact, were a farce. General Zia was killed in a plane crash in August 1988.

The Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf seized power in October 1999. Nawaz Sharif was exiled to Saudi Arabia. In 2001 Pervez Musharraf declared himself as President of the country. The elections held in 2002 were a farce. Pervez Musharraf’s popularity declined considerably. Benazir Bhutto returned from exile in October 2007 to lead the pro-democracy movement in Pakistan. She was assassinated on December 27, 2007.

9. What were the main provisions of Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987?

Answer: The Indo-Sri Lankan Accord was arrived at between India and Sri Lanka on 29th July, 1987. Its salient points were: (i) Sri Lanka would not be partitioned. The Northern and the Eastern provinces where Tamils had a majority would be merged together; (ii) after their merger a provincial council (Legislative Assembly) would be set up to make laws for the Tamil region.

10. What are the aims and objectives of SAARC?

Answer: The aims and objectives of SAARC are stated to be as follows: (i) to promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and to improve their quality of life, (ii) making full use of all the human and natural resources, (iii) to bring mutual assistance and cooperation in areas, such as agriculture and rural development, sports, art, science, culture and technology, (iv) to strengthen cooperation among the member-states at forums such as the United Nations, (v) to strengthen cooperation with other developing nations of Asia, Africa and Latin America, and (vi) to cooperate with Regional Organisations, such as ASEAN.

11. What is SAFTA?

Answer: The 12th SAARC Summit held at Islamabad (Pakistan) in 2004 ended after the signing of the historic South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). It sought the creation of a ‘Free Trade Zone’ for the whole of South Asia. That could reduce trade barriers between the SAARC member-nations. The SAFTA Agreement was to become effective on 1 January 2006. But as long as mutual fears and suspicions continued, this Agreement has no chance of success.

C. Very short answer questions

12. What is the full form of SAARC?

Answer: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

13. What is the full form of SAFTA?

Answer: South Asian Free Trade Agreement.

14. Name the eight SAARC member-nations.

Answer: The eight SAARC member-nations are India, Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Afghanistan.

D. Multiple Choice Questions: Tick (✔) the correct answer

15. Who among the following is the Prime Minister of Pakistan?

Answer: (c) Imran Khan

16. In which year did a new nation named ‘Bangladesh’ emerge?

Answer: (b) 1971

17. Who are in majority in the North-Eastern Part of Sri Lanka?

Answer: (b) Tamils

18. When and where was the SAFTA signed?

Answer: (b) In 2004 at Islamabad

Extra/additional questions and answers

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Extra/additional MCQs

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