Historical Events tagged with "india"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Operation Pawan Launched in Sri Lanka

October 11th, 1987 37 years ago

Operation Pawan was initiated by Indian forces in Sri Lanka to aid the Sri Lankan government in combating the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The operation followed an agreement between India and Sri Lanka aimed at ensuring peace in the region. The conflict saw thousands of civilians, insurgents, and soldiers lose their lives, emphasizing the operation's intense nature and the complexities involved in the Sri Lankan Civil War.

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Politics & Government

Khalistan Independence Declaration by Sikh Nationalists

October 7th, 1987 37 years ago

Sikh nationalists proclaimed Khalistan as an independent state in India, aiming to create a separate country for Sikhs in Punjab. This declaration, issued by a faction of Sikhs, remained unrecognized by any international body. The call for Khalistan emerged from historical grievances, including perceived discrimination and violent oppression faced by the Sikh community during political unrest in India. The movement gained momentum in the 1980s amid rising tensions and violence in Punjab, leading to significant social and political upheaval in the region.

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Politics & Government

Rajiv Gandhi and J. R. Jayewardene Sign Accord

July 29th, 1987 37 years ago

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of India and President J. R. Jayewardene of Sri Lanka formalized the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord to address ethnic issues in Sri Lanka. This agreement aimed to establish peace and resolve ongoing ethnic tensions primarily affecting the Tamil population. The signing took place in Colombo, demonstrating a commitment to cooperation between the two nations. The accord sought to de-escalate conflicts and provided a framework for political autonomy and the rights of minority communities.

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Crime & Law

Police Shooting of Hashimpura Residents

May 22nd, 1987 37 years ago

In Meerut, a police operation resulted in the killing of 42 Muslim men from the Hashimpura area. This incident was attributed to rising communal tensions in the region, leading to a brutal crackdown by security forces. Victims were allegedly taken to the outskirts of the city and shot in a retaliatory act following violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities. The incident sparked widespread outrage and raised significant questions about police conduct and communal violence in India.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sikh Assembly Declares Khalistan Independence

April 29th, 1986 38 years ago

An assembly of Sikhs, known as a Sarbat Khalsa, took place at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. This gathering was called to address the growing sentiment for Sikh autonomy and independence. Over 200,000 Sikhs attended this event, where leaders declared the creation of Khalistan, a proposed sovereign Sikh state. This declaration was driven by long-standing grievances regarding political representation and religious freedom for Sikhs in India.

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Politics & Government

Formation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

December 8th, 1985 39 years ago

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in December 1985 during a summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This organization aimed to promote regional integration, economic and cultural cooperation among South Asian nations. The founding members included Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration in a region often marked by conflict. The summit officially launched SAARC with a vision to foster peace and prosperity in South Asia.

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Politics & Government

Assam Accord Signed to End Assam Movement

August 15th, 1985 39 years ago

The Assam Accord was signed between representatives of the Government of India and leaders of the Assam Movement. This agreement sought to resolve the socio-political unrest that had persisted in Assam, characterized by demands for indigenous rights and tackling illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Key discussions were held in Delhi, and the signatories included prominent leaders like Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. The accord aimed to restore peace and facilitate development in the northeastern state.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Methyl Isocyanate Leak at Union Carbide Plant

December 3rd, 1984 40 years ago

A major industrial accident occurred at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, leading to a catastrophic release of methyl isocyanate gas. This toxic leak directly killed over 3,800 individuals, with tens of thousands suffering from severe injuries and long-term health effects. The incident stands as one of the worst industrial disasters in history, highlighting the potential dangers of industrial chemicals and inadequate safety measures within facilities.

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Politics & Government

Anti-Sikh Riots Following Indira Gandhi's Assassination

November 1st, 1984 40 years ago

Following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by two Sikh bodyguards, widespread anti-Sikh riots broke out across India. The unrest was fueled by anger and resentment towards the Sikh community, leading to violent clashes and significant loss of life. Thousands of Sikhs were targeted, their homes and businesses attacked, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that raised questions about law enforcement and governmental responsibilities.

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