Chandigarh, July 25 -- Signed 40 years ago, the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord --- a landmark agreement in Indian political history aimed at bringing peace and normalcy to Punjab --- is seen as a case of "missed opportunity" to address the border state's long-standing issues through dialogue and negotiation.

The pact, inked on July 24, 1985 in New Delhi between then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, was seen as an attempt by the Centre to reconnect with Punjab and its people who were feeling alienated and resolve state' pending matters. The accord, however, faced stiff opposition from both within Punjab and neighbouring Haryana, resulting in implementation challenges.

Some of the k...