Ethnic conflict in a rich region: government policy and the Punjab problem

This article develops a state-oriented explanation of the origin and development of ethnic conflicts in a developing country. It considers the hypothesis that ethnic conflict occurs because the state penetrates society through public policy and the political system changes. The ethnic demands of the Akali Dal have become political and religious. Conflict between Sikhs and Hindus have become violent and communal. In the Punjab case, when aspects of the government's rational policy did not succeed, ethnic conflict grew more intense. If ethnic demands are suppressed by the state, ethnic groups begin to emphasize their communal aspects, in order to mobilize popular support. -from Author