It has been rightly said that ‘A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him. Sometimes, it is imperative to do what is right because it is right, it is important to carry out something that one believes in for the greater good, for a better and brighter future. This article seeks to trace the events that led up to the landing in Budgam, that has paved the way for Naya Kashmir, an emotion, a reality.
On the eve of 20 October in the year 1947, a year that saw separation and politics like no other, an approximate of 5000 trans-Indus tribesmen took over a bridge spanning the Neelam river on the Hazara road linking Muzaffarabad with Abbottabad, (in current day Pakistan) and thus successfully occupied the first major town of Muzaffarabad by 21 October under their leader, Khurshid Anwar and further moved down further towards Uri. It was at the behest of neighbour Country, that these raids had been conducted, with trans-Indus tribesmen and codenaming it ‘Operation Gulmarg’. The 1947-1948 war had thus formally begun, all at the behest of Pakistan.
It was a staggering number at that time, with 7000 to 8000 raiders, additionally aided by officers and junior commissioned officers of the Pakistan Army advancing towards Srinagar. It was more so daunting due to the reason of Srinagar being a princely state. The then head of State had to take an impending decision. The decision of annexation that would either make or break Kashmir. Maharaja Hari Singh then poured his notions into making the right decision, the decision to accede to India. This then set out a domino effect, trailblazing the way for Naya
Budgam Landing is the name given to the landing of the forces of the Indian Army in Srinagar, to push the tribal forces away from the borders of Kashmir.
The Kabailis supported by Pakistani soldiers swarmed across the Jhelum River and began a systematic plunder, arson, rape and mindless killing of the unarmed and innocent people of Jammu and Kashmir. Baramulla was massacred mindlessly with civilians laying down their lives by the thousands. The State forces HQ at Srinagar was informed and Brig Rajinder Singh with 9 JAK RIF left at 0630 AM on 22 October, 1947 to reach Uri the next morning.
It is imperative to know that apart from the men in uniform, civilians also played a crucial role in liberating the Valley. A civilian washerman, Ram Chanderwas awardedMahavir Chakra for rescuing an Indian Army officer wounded during an ambush, shooting down several enemy troops in the process.
There was patriotism of the highest magnitude when the civil forces rose up to join forces with the Indian Army to protect their land from the foreign invaders. The raiders were misled by the civilians on the whereabouts of the Indian Army which in turn delayed the raiders’ move to Srinagar and gave the Army enough time to prepare for the battle at Shala Teng.
With the Indian forces and the civil forces and the common man working hand in hand, it was a historic battle, a historic landing, a landing that saved Kashmir from the vicious grip of the Pakistani forces. A landing that was seen and will always be seen as a redemption.
Though the Maharaja was requesting for the Indian troops to be sent as soon as possible, the Government ensured and put forth that it would be legitimate to send Indian Troops to Kashmir only after it was formally acceded to India. On the 26th of October, the instrument of accession was signed and thus Kashmir joined hand with India. However, it is prudent to mention that if the decision of accession was taken earlier, it would have prevented the loss of vast territory to Pakistan, which is now claimed as Pak occupied Kashmir.
By first light of 27thOctober, 1 Sikh was airborne, commanded by Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Raj then made a historic airlift to Srinagar on 27 October, 1947 for the defence of Kashmir with the first aircraft landing at the Srinagar airport at 0930 AM. With the raiders barely 60kms away from the heart of Srinagar, intelligence was received that the raiders, however, had not reached Baramulla. Col Rai then left a portion of 1 Sikh to guard the airfield and further moved forward to Baramulla via Pattan, a small town 17 miles from Srinagar. Bravery oozed out of every act and every event that unfurled since then. After advancing almost 34 miles from Srinagar on road, Col Rai ordered his troops to take up positions around the hills east of Baramulla. Col Rai was martyred by a burst of automatic fire from a hill outside the town of Baramulla.
On the 3of November of the year 1947, a company of 4 Kumaon headed by Maj Somnath Sharma went on a fighting patrol to Budgam. It was a fierce fight. A fierce encounter that lasted for over six hours. Despite being injured, Maj Somnath Sharma inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy. It will send chills through anyone’s spine who hears his last words, through radio message, “The enemy is less than 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered and under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch … “These words were abruptly interrupted by a loud crash of a bursting mortar, and thus, the brave soul, Maj Somnath Sharma laid down his life for his Nation.
India is a nation filled with various values, customs and traditions. But the one thing that is constant from Kashmir to Kanyakumari is the patriotism that is shared by every individual who calls himself/herself an Indian. Our history contains lessons that are never to be forgotten, that should always be held close to heart and should always be reverberated. Our today holds much of our past, with each blade of grass sharing the story of the blood shed like water droplets. Cherishing it, valuing it and taking it forward… is the sole responsibility we are entrusted with.
Saviours of Kashmir is added by Payal Nijhavan on View all posts by Payal Nijhavan →
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