The newly Independent country of India and the newly established country of Pakistan confronted each other within two months of one’s Independence and the other’s establishment. British rule ended and the war was going to establish the future of J&K. The Indo-Pak war of 1947 began on October 22 and its end left a heavy trace on the history of Indo-Pak relations.
What led to the Indo-Pak war of 1947?
To set the background, there were a few important influencing factors. The state of J&K was purchased by a Dogra king from the British. He purchased it for Rs. 75 lakhs and the ruler ruled the state with an absolute majority. However, the state had a majority of Muslim Population. As per the historical records, the Hindu rulers dealt with the Muslim population harshly. So, there were revolts against the Hindu ruler several times. The main revolts can be noted to take place in the years 1865, 1924, and 1931.
The revolts of 1931 brought the rise of Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla. His movement aimed for good governance and it led to the formulation of the J&K regional party named National Conference. The movement got limited success and this led to the Dogra jailing him and other leaders of this movement to crush the agitation. But, as British rule came close to an end it brought a good time for Sheikh Abdullah and his movement.
What took place in the 1947 Indo-Pak war and after it?
The British Raj loosened its control and this led to the end of their control on India. They prepared to leave and began the peaceful handover of power to India. At this time, the demand for a separate Muslim nation led to the Partition of India and the formation of Pakistan. This meant that the Dogra king would not have the support of British Patrons for help on important subjects.
Along with that, Maharaja Hari Singh was caught in a confusing situation. The newly independent nation of India and the newly formed nation of Pakistan tried to claim the maximum possible territory which included the state of J&K. Things were balanced for some time but then India came up with the instrument of Accession to include princely states in India.
As per historians, The Dogra king wanted to keep J&K Independent. He tried to negotiate with India and Pakistan for a standstill agreement. Pakistan agreed but India called up a representative of the king to Delhi for negotiation. India was too democratic for him and even Sheikh Abdullah was very close to the Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru. Even Pakistan was too Muslim for the Maharaja.
Initially, Pakistan agreed to the freedom of J&K but the leaders of Pakistan became doubtful when India refused and began negotiations. As a result, it denied signing the standstill agreement. As a result, Mohammed Ali Jinnah’s secretary came to Dogra king with an instrument of Accession. Pakistan changed its tone and attitude and began to try a distinct way of approach to persuade the king.
The negotiations were going on and on the other hand, Pakistan supplied arms and ammunition to locals in the pooch sector to boost the secessionist movement in favour of Pakistan. The Pakistan national flag was raised by the rebels and the Maharaja reacted with a strict crackdown. The relation between the king and Pakistan began to worsen. He accused Pakistan of sending and supporting armed infiltrators in J&K. While Pakistan criticized the Maharaja to be anti-Muslim.
Tired of the situation, the king released Sheikh Abdullah who rallied his supporters to raise freedom cries. Sheikh Abdullah also tried to turn public support against Pakistan. As things got worse, Pakistan understood that it was a strong possibility that the accession of J&K to India would be unavoidable in any situation.
This led to the popular operation Gulmarg that became a trigger point for the Indo-Pak war of 1947. On 22 October 1947, Pakistan prepared and sent nearly 4,000 tribal fighters with weapons to Muzafarbad in J&K. After some time, it was confirmed that the Army of Pakistan in correlation with the tribesmen led them. The surrender of Sheikh Abdullah Army was quick and Uri and Baramullah went in their hands in no time. It also included the loot, rape, and slaughter as they came close to Srinagar. Kashmir’s Army tried their best to stop and delay them by destroying the pathways and bridges and they came close.
But, October 24 was the day of the decision when Maharaja Hari Singh decided to reach Indian leaders for assistance. India was ready to help but not without securing the accession of J&K. Even Lord Mountbatten who was the last governor-general of India and Commander-in-Chief of the army stressed that India should not interfere in the matter. He was responsible for the peaceful transfer of power from the British to India and Pakistan and he considered that it was a matter between the Independent State of J&K and Independent Pakistan.
Therefore VK Menon, secretary of MoS was flown to Srinagar with Indian Military hero colonel Sam Manekshaw to negotiate and take an idea of situations on the ground. He found desolate streets and the absence of state troops. He came back and recommended a quick deployment of forces.
Menon went to Jammu and gave the details of the situation to the king and expressed willingness for armed aid of the situation. He asked the Maharaja to leave Srinagar with his family for his safety. On October 26, the deed was done. VK Menon was then flying back to Delhi with J&K PM Mehar Chand Mahajan.
What happened next is known to everyone. On the early morning of 27th October, India’s Sikh Battalion was airdropped in Srinagar. They successfully got hold of Kashmir and regained J&K for India. Pakistan lost its ground and it stated that the war was between Indians and fighters of ‘Azad Kashmir’. J & k played a crucial role in the Indo-Pak war of 1965 and 1971. It has somehow directed the relations of Indo-Pak with the other significant one being Terrorism.
