20 December - The Montgomery Bus Boycott

 

The Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the American Civil Rights Movement, ended on 20 December 1956, after 381 days of nonviolent protest against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama. The boycott began on 5 December 1955, following the arrest of Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. This act of defiance sparked a mass movement led by local leaders, including a young Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who emerged as a key figure in the fight for civil rights.

---

Key Developments:

1. Catalyst:

   • Rosa Parks' arrest galvanized the African American community in Montgomery to organize a boycott of the city’s bus system, which required Black passengers to sit in the back and give up their seats to white passengers if needed.

2. Organized Leadership:

   • The Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA), led by Dr. King, coordinated the boycott. Strategies included carpools, walking, and other forms of alternative transportation.

3. Legal Victory:

   • The boycott continued amidst harassment and economic hardship until the Supreme Court ruling in Browder v. Gayle (1956) declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional, effectively ending the practice.

---

Outcome and Impact:

• Desegregation:
  On 20 December 1956, the city of Montgomery officially desegregated its buses, marking a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement.
• Rise of Dr. King:
  The boycott established Dr. King as a national leader and symbol of the movement.
• Civil Rights Momentum:
  It inspired subsequent campaigns against segregation and injustice, including sit-ins, freedom rides, and marches.

---

The Montgomery Bus Boycott demonstrated the power of collective action and nonviolent resistance in challenging systemic racism, leaving an enduring legacy in the fight for equality and justice

20 December - Sashastra Seema Bal formed

 

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), one of India's Central Armed Police Forces, was formed on 20 December 1963. Initially established under the name Special Service Bureau, the SSB was created in the wake of the 1962 Indo-China War with the primary aim of ensuring the security of the country's borders, particularly along the northern and northeastern frontiers.

Purpose and Evolution:

• Initial Role: The SSB was initially tasked with inculcating a sense of security among the people living in the border areas, providing them with training in guerrilla warfare, and assisting in intelligence gathering. It was also responsible for creating resistance and fostering a spirit of nationalism among border residents, preparing them to defend against external aggression.

• Expansion and Rebranding: Over the years, the role of the SSB expanded beyond its initial mandate. In 2001, following the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on Reforming the National Security System, the SSB was given the responsibility of guarding India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Consequently, it was rebranded from the Special Service Bureau to the Sashastra Seema Bal, which means "Armed Border Force."

• Current Role: Today, the SSB is primarily responsible for guarding India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan, ensuring the security of these regions while preventing illegal activities such as smuggling, trafficking, and infiltration. The SSB also participates in internal security duties and disaster management, providing assistance during natural calamities and maintaining law and order.

Significance:

The SSB has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and security along India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Its efforts in border management, intelligence gathering, and fostering good relations with local communities have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of these regions. The SSB's motto, "Service, Security, Brotherhood," reflects its commitment to serving the nation and protecting its borders.

The formation of the SSB on 20 December 1963, marks a significant chapter in India's security apparatus, highlighting the country's proactive measures in strengthening its border defense and ensuring the well-being of its citizens living in remote and vulnerable areas.

20 December - Portugal transferred the sovereignty over Macau

 

Portugal transferred the sovereignty over Macau, its last overseas territory, to the People's Republic of China. The handover took place on December 20, 1999. The transfer of sovereignty marked the end of over four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule in Macau.

The agreement for the handover was reached between Portugal and China in 1987, and it was based on the "one country, two systems" principle, similar to the arrangement for Hong Kong. According to this principle, Macau was granted a high degree of autonomy, except in matters of foreign affairs and defense, for 50 years after the transfer.

The handover ceremony on December 20, 1999, included the lowering of the Portuguese flag and the raising of the Chinese flag. Macau became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, enjoying a considerable degree of autonomy, separate legal and economic systems, and preservation of its way of life for 50 years from the handover. This transition marked the completion of the decolonization process for Portugal and the establishment of Chinese sovereignty over Macau.