Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Rajya Sabha Adopts Border Areas Resolution Under Article 249
Many years ago, in 1986, the leaders who make rules for India had a big meeting.
They voted on a new plan to help keep some parts of the country safe.
The plan let the big central government in Delhi make special rules for states near India's western border.
These states were Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The rules were meant to stop people who use violence or fear to cause trouble.
Some political parties said yes to the plan, and some said no.
More than two out of every three voters said yes, so the plan passed.
It would only last for one year.
The Prime Minister at the time, Rajiv Gandhi, wondered if some people were making trouble on purpose at the same time India was upset with the country Libya.
Other news that day included an airplane carrying the Prime Minister having a small problem, and some robbers taking money from a bank.
The Rajya Sabha adopted a government resolution under Article 249 arming the Centre with powers to legislate on state matters to contain terrorism and terrorist activities along the western border of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Home Minister Buta Singh moved the resolution and an amendment, supported by the BJP, AIADMK and Congress (S) and opposed by the Akali Dal, Telugu Desam, CPI (M), Janata, Lok Dal and Forward Bloc.
The resolution was adopted by a two-thirds majority and will remain valid for one year.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi said the 'Khalistan' announcement came right after India's 'very strong and uncompromising' stand on Libya and asked whether it was a mere coincidence.
The same report carries a high-level inquiry into a snag in the VIP Air India aircraft 'Annapurna' carrying the PM, and the robbery of Rs 32,000 from a Punjab National Bank branch near Patiala.
- Who
- The Rajya Sabha passed the resolution, moved by Home Minister Buta Singh; it was supported by the BJP, AIADMK and Congress (S) and opposed by the Akali Dal, Telugu Desam, CPI (M), Janata, Lok Dal and Forward Bloc, with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi commenting on the news.
- What
- Adoption of a government resolution under Article 249 of the Constitution arming the Centre with powers to legislate on state matters to contain terrorism and terrorist activities in the western border areas of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- When
- August 14, 1986, according to this report looking back 40 years.
- Where
- Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India; the resolution covered the western border areas of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- Why
- To contain terrorism and terrorist activities in the western border states.
Pro-resolution parties
Anti-resolution parties
Article 249 resolution
Pro-resolution parties
BJP, AIADMK and Congress (S) joined the government in supporting the resolution to give the Centre powers to legislate on state matters and contain terrorism and terrorist activities along the western border.
Anti-resolution parties
The Akali Dal, Telugu Desam, CPI (M), Janata, Lok Dal and Forward Bloc opposed and voted against the resolution.
Khalistan–Libya timing
Pro-resolution parties
PM Rajiv Gandhi suggested the 'Khalistan' announcement came immediately after India's very strong and uncompromising stand on Libya and asked whether it was a mere coincidence.
Anti-resolution parties
The question itself allows for the possibility that the timing was an unrelated coincidence rather than a deliberate link to India's Libya stand.
- Resolution
- Government resolution under Article 249 of the Constitution
- Moved by
- Home Minister Buta Singh
- Coverage
- Western border areas of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Gujarat
- Vote
- Adopted by a two-thirds majority
- Validity
- One year
- Supporters
- BJP, AIADMK, Congress (S)
- Opponents
- Akali Dal, Telugu Desam, CPI (M), Janata, Lok Dal, Forward Bloc
- Other reported items
- Inquiry into a snag in the VIP Air India aircraft 'Annapurna'; robbery of Rs 32,000 at a Punjab National Bank branch near Patiala