The Story of Kashmir Affairs - A Peep into the Past
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sandesh
Nov 10, 2010, 1:14:35 PM11/10/10
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The Story of Kashmir Affairs - A Peep into the Past
by Triloki Nath Dhar
Koshur Samachar
by Triloki Nath Dhar
Koshur Samachar
IN 1320 Rencana, a Ladakhi prince, got
king of Kashmir, Ramchandra, killed
by a strategem and seized the throne of Kashmir. He requested prominent
Kashmiri Brahmins for his conversion to Hinduism but his wish was impolitely
turned down. This was the heinous and unpardonable mistake committed by the
Kashmiri Brahmins. Renchana embraced Islam under the guidance of Bulbul
Shah who had arrived in Kashmir with not more than 100 companions. He
assumed the name Sultan Sadar-ud- din. He lived only for 3 years.
by a strategem and seized the throne of Kashmir. He requested prominent
Kashmiri Brahmins for his conversion to Hinduism but his wish was impolitely
turned down. This was the heinous and unpardonable mistake committed by the
Kashmiri Brahmins. Renchana embraced Islam under the guidance of Bulbul
Shah who had arrived in Kashmir with not more than 100 companions. He
assumed the name Sultan Sadar-ud- din. He lived only for 3 years.
In 1339 Shah Mir, by treachery, succeeded in
wresting the throne from Kota
Rani and became king under the title Sultan Shamas-ud-din.
Rani and became king under the title Sultan Shamas-ud-din.
In 1389 Sultan Sikander sat on the throne of
Kashmir. His reign heralded the
darkest period for Kashmiri Hindus. Forcible conversions, killings,
destruction of temples and exquisite monuments and mass migrations of Hindus
were the distinguishing features of his rule. Once, when Hindus were fleeing
through southern Kashmir his soldiers took positions at a gully leading to
Kishtwar and whoever came to escape through the gully was done to death. It
is during the reign of Sultan Sikandar that Hazrat Shah Hamdaan arrived in
Kashmir with 700 Sayyads.
darkest period for Kashmiri Hindus. Forcible conversions, killings,
destruction of temples and exquisite monuments and mass migrations of Hindus
were the distinguishing features of his rule. Once, when Hindus were fleeing
through southern Kashmir his soldiers took positions at a gully leading to
Kishtwar and whoever came to escape through the gully was done to death. It
is during the reign of Sultan Sikandar that Hazrat Shah Hamdaan arrived in
Kashmir with 700 Sayyads.
Kashmiri Pandits found persecution almost mitigated
during the reign of
Zain-ul-abidin (1420- 70) who left no stone unturned to rehabilitate them.
This change was wrought in him by Shri Bhat, a learned Brahmin and
physician, who cured the king of a deadly disease. The king desired the
Brahmin to ask for something precious for the service rendered. Shri Bhat
told the king that he had no need for anything except that his bretheren
devastated, killed and scattered be rehabilitated and allowed to preach and
practise their religion without any hitch or hinderance. The king granted
his wish and was true to his word.
Zain-ul-abidin (1420- 70) who left no stone unturned to rehabilitate them.
This change was wrought in him by Shri Bhat, a learned Brahmin and
physician, who cured the king of a deadly disease. The king desired the
Brahmin to ask for something precious for the service rendered. Shri Bhat
told the king that he had no need for anything except that his bretheren
devastated, killed and scattered be rehabilitated and allowed to preach and
practise their religion without any hitch or hinderance. The king granted
his wish and was true to his word.
With the passing away of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin a
most obnoxious period of
intrigues and conspiracies prevailed in Kashmir which culminated in the
ascendancy of the most intolerant Shia regimes. During Moosa Rana's
terrorsome reign 40,000 Kashmiri Pandit families were converted to Shiaism.
The rite of circumcision of converted Kashmiri Pandits was performed on a
mass scale at Idgah ground in Srinagar. Almost every Shiatie Muslim in
Kashmir is a descendant of a forcibly converted Kashmiri Pandit. During the
rule of Chaks Kashmir came under the grip of a terrible famine in 1576-78 in
which half of the population died.
intrigues and conspiracies prevailed in Kashmir which culminated in the
ascendancy of the most intolerant Shia regimes. During Moosa Rana's
terrorsome reign 40,000 Kashmiri Pandit families were converted to Shiaism.
The rite of circumcision of converted Kashmiri Pandits was performed on a
mass scale at Idgah ground in Srinagar. Almost every Shiatie Muslim in
Kashmir is a descendant of a forcibly converted Kashmiri Pandit. During the
rule of Chaks Kashmir came under the grip of a terrible famine in 1576-78 in
which half of the population died.
Annexation of Kashmir to Mughal Empire
Akbar the Great annexed Kashmir to his empire in
1589 by a deceiptful
military adventure. During 120 years of Mughal Rule Kashmiri Hindus, as
usual, were suffering persecution but with lesser pain depending upon the
disposition of the Mughal Governor. During 1671-75 persecution of Brahmins
by Governor Iftikar Khan makes a woeful tale. However, during the Mughal
rule Kashmiri Hindus had the opportunity to migrate to the planes of
Hindostan and they did avail of such opportunities and attained to high
positions at several places.
military adventure. During 120 years of Mughal Rule Kashmiri Hindus, as
usual, were suffering persecution but with lesser pain depending upon the
disposition of the Mughal Governor. During 1671-75 persecution of Brahmins
by Governor Iftikar Khan makes a woeful tale. However, during the Mughal
rule Kashmiri Hindus had the opportunity to migrate to the planes of
Hindostan and they did avail of such opportunities and attained to high
positions at several places.
Afgan Occupation of Kashmir
Mughal Rule was followed by 67 years of Afgan
occupation. This period was
the most tormenting period for the Kashmiris. Governor Lal Khan Khattak and
Faqir Ullah got hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits killed. During governor ship of
Haji Karim Dad Khan and Assad Khan the sufferings of the Kashmiris reached
climax. Assad Khan would rip the bellies of the people like a surgeon.
the most tormenting period for the Kashmiris. Governor Lal Khan Khattak and
Faqir Ullah got hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits killed. During governor ship of
Haji Karim Dad Khan and Assad Khan the sufferings of the Kashmiris reached
climax. Assad Khan would rip the bellies of the people like a surgeon.
Assad Khan was followed by Atta Moh'd Khan
whose lust for beautiful
Kashmiri women knew no bounds. Kashmiri Pandits were the worst sufferers.
They fled to jungles and passed their days in hiding to save their women
folk from molestation.
Kashmiri women knew no bounds. Kashmiri Pandits were the worst sufferers.
They fled to jungles and passed their days in hiding to save their women
folk from molestation.
Sirdar Azim Khan ruled Kashmir for 6 years with
most crooked villainy and
terror. It was during his reign that a nobleman Pt. Birbal Dhar accompanied
by his son, Raj Kak Dhar, stealthily left Kashmir for Lahore to pray to
Maharaja Ranjit Singh to send his army for taking over Kashmir so that the
Kashmiris groaning under the Afgan yoke could find deliverance. When Sirdar
Azim Khan came to know of it he ordered Birbal's wife and daughter-in-law,
who were in hiding, to be produced before him. Birbal Dhar's son-in-law,
Telak Chand Munshi, fearing death penalty, provided clue about the noble
ladies and they were summoned before Sirdar. Birbal Dhar's wife commited
suicide. His daughter-in-law was molested and put in the harem.
terror. It was during his reign that a nobleman Pt. Birbal Dhar accompanied
by his son, Raj Kak Dhar, stealthily left Kashmir for Lahore to pray to
Maharaja Ranjit Singh to send his army for taking over Kashmir so that the
Kashmiris groaning under the Afgan yoke could find deliverance. When Sirdar
Azim Khan came to know of it he ordered Birbal's wife and daughter-in-law,
who were in hiding, to be produced before him. Birbal Dhar's son-in-law,
Telak Chand Munshi, fearing death penalty, provided clue about the noble
ladies and they were summoned before Sirdar. Birbal Dhar's wife commited
suicide. His daughter-in-law was molested and put in the harem.
Sirdar Azim Khan was recalled to assist his brother
Fateh Moh'd Khan at
Qandhar. Before his departure he despatched his harem (alongwith Birbal
Dhar's daughter-in-law) and properties worth two crores of Rupees to Kabul
in charge of his Peshkar, Sahaj Ram Dhar. After some time Azim Khan left for
Kabul. He handed over the authority of governance to his younger brother,
Jabbar Khan. He took Pt. Suraj Ram Tikku son of Dewan Nand Ram with him. At
Ganal he exhorted Pt. Suraj Ram Tikku to embrace Islam. Pt. Suraj Ram Tikku
abused him for telling him so and was immediately done to death.
Qandhar. Before his departure he despatched his harem (alongwith Birbal
Dhar's daughter-in-law) and properties worth two crores of Rupees to Kabul
in charge of his Peshkar, Sahaj Ram Dhar. After some time Azim Khan left for
Kabul. He handed over the authority of governance to his younger brother,
Jabbar Khan. He took Pt. Suraj Ram Tikku son of Dewan Nand Ram with him. At
Ganal he exhorted Pt. Suraj Ram Tikku to embrace Islam. Pt. Suraj Ram Tikku
abused him for telling him so and was immediately done to death.
Annexation of Kashmir to Sikh Empire
Maharaja Ranjit Singh took time to veer around
Birbal Dhar's reasoning for
taking over Kashmir by armed intervention. Pt. Birbal Dhar then gave an
undertaking that in case of failure he would pay for the loss incurred and
left his son Raj Kak Dhar in the Lahore Darbar as a hostage in case the
campaign petered out.
taking over Kashmir by armed intervention. Pt. Birbal Dhar then gave an
undertaking that in case of failure he would pay for the loss incurred and
left his son Raj Kak Dhar in the Lahore Darbar as a hostage in case the
campaign petered out.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh then sent 30,000 troops in
charge of Pt. Birbal Dhar
commanded among others by Raja Gulab Singh. Two battles ensued one at the
top of Pir Panjal and the other at Shopyan Plateu. Afgan Soldiery was
completely routed. Jabbar Khan was wounded and he fled away. Thus Kashmir
passed into the hands of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
commanded among others by Raja Gulab Singh. Two battles ensued one at the
top of Pir Panjal and the other at Shopyan Plateu. Afgan Soldiery was
completely routed. Jabbar Khan was wounded and he fled away. Thus Kashmir
passed into the hands of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh bestowed honours and favours
on Pt. Raj Kak Dhar and
sent him back to Kashmir with dignity and honour. Sikh Rule abided in
Kashmir from 1819 to 1846. The first Sikh Governor was Dewan Moti Ram.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh through his genius, both as a ruler and as a general,
had been able to carve out a viable sovereign Khalsa kingdom comprising
provinces of Lahore, Kashmir, Multan and Peshawar.
sent him back to Kashmir with dignity and honour. Sikh Rule abided in
Kashmir from 1819 to 1846. The first Sikh Governor was Dewan Moti Ram.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh through his genius, both as a ruler and as a general,
had been able to carve out a viable sovereign Khalsa kingdom comprising
provinces of Lahore, Kashmir, Multan and Peshawar.
Afganistan was part of India once upon a time but
was torn apart from the
mother country through cataclysms of historical compulsions. Had Maharaja
Ranjit Singh not carved out a sovereign Khalsa kingdom Panjab and Kashmir
would have become part of Afganistan.
mother country through cataclysms of historical compulsions. Had Maharaja
Ranjit Singh not carved out a sovereign Khalsa kingdom Panjab and Kashmir
would have become part of Afganistan.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh lacked some essential
elements of a far-sighted
statesman. It was because of this that immediately after his death confusion
and anarchy gripped his descendants, nobility and army commanders. English
seized this opportunity by the forelock.
statesman. It was because of this that immediately after his death confusion
and anarchy gripped his descendants, nobility and army commanders. English
seized this opportunity by the forelock.
Transfer of Kashmir to Maharaja Gulab Singh
Commanders of the Sikh Army smelled a rat in the
strategic manoeuvres of the
British in the region. Also, Khalsa Army was itching for a war. The outcome
was First Sikh War in which Sikhs suffered a defeat because of the wile
treachery of its own commanders. War was brought to an end by the Treaty of
Lahore on March 9, 1846.
British in the region. Also, Khalsa Army was itching for a war. The outcome
was First Sikh War in which Sikhs suffered a defeat because of the wile
treachery of its own commanders. War was brought to an end by the Treaty of
Lahore on March 9, 1846.
As per Article 2 of the Treaty of Lahore Sikhs had
to pay war indemnity of
one and a half crores of Rupees. But they had only Rupees fifty lacs.
Therefore, as equivalent of Rupees one crore they transferred to the
Honourable East India Company in perpetual sovereignty all the hill
countries which are between River Beas and Indus, including the provinces of
Kashmir and Hazara. Subsequently, the English by the treaty of Amritsar
concluded on March 16, 1846, transferred and made over for ever in
"independent possession" to Maharaja Gulab Singh and heirs male of his body,
Kashmir and Hazara, including Chamb for 75 lakhs of Rupees. The transfer was
legally and actually flawless.
one and a half crores of Rupees. But they had only Rupees fifty lacs.
Therefore, as equivalent of Rupees one crore they transferred to the
Honourable East India Company in perpetual sovereignty all the hill
countries which are between River Beas and Indus, including the provinces of
Kashmir and Hazara. Subsequently, the English by the treaty of Amritsar
concluded on March 16, 1846, transferred and made over for ever in
"independent possession" to Maharaja Gulab Singh and heirs male of his body,
Kashmir and Hazara, including Chamb for 75 lakhs of Rupees. The transfer was
legally and actually flawless.
Muslim writers paint Sikh Rule in Kashmir in
darkest hues. Nevertheless, the
period was better than 67 years of Afgan occupation and there were no
conversions by sword which characterised most of Islamic regimes. Maharaja
Gulab Singh was able to launch successiul military campaigns for annexing
Ladakh and Zanskar. The hero of these campaigns was General Zoarawar Singh
who even marched upto Lahsa.
period was better than 67 years of Afgan occupation and there were no
conversions by sword which characterised most of Islamic regimes. Maharaja
Gulab Singh was able to launch successiul military campaigns for annexing
Ladakh and Zanskar. The hero of these campaigns was General Zoarawar Singh
who even marched upto Lahsa.
Maharaja Gulab Singh also annexed Gilgat, Chillas,
Dardistan and other
tribal areas to his kingdom. In all these campaigns nearly 30,000 committed
soldiers, flower of Dogra manhood, laid down their lives.
tribal areas to his kingdom. In all these campaigns nearly 30,000 committed
soldiers, flower of Dogra manhood, laid down their lives.
In 1858, Ranbir Singh son of Maharaja Gulab Singh
ascended the throne of J&K
State. On the death of Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1887 Maharaja Pratap Singh
assumed the rulership of the State.
State. On the death of Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1887 Maharaja Pratap Singh
assumed the rulership of the State.
From 1860 Role of non-Kashmiri Muslims in
Fomenting Trouble in J&K State
Archival documents reveal that non-Kashmiri Muslims
living outside the State
of Jammu and Kashmir were actively conniving to foment discontent among
Muslims in Kashmir against the Hindu Maharaja. This outside interference
became intensified during the time of Maharaja Pratap Singh. It was because
of this that in 1889 British people hatched a conspiracy to dispossess
Maharaja Pratap Singh of his throne and annex the J&K State to the British
India. Charges of misgovernment were levelled against Maharaja Pratap Singh.
He was removed and a Council of Regency was constituted to administer the
State. However, accusations against Maharaja couldn't be substantiated. The
State was therefore restored to Maharaja Pratap Singh after 16 years in
1905. This was a great achievement for Dogras.
of Jammu and Kashmir were actively conniving to foment discontent among
Muslims in Kashmir against the Hindu Maharaja. This outside interference
became intensified during the time of Maharaja Pratap Singh. It was because
of this that in 1889 British people hatched a conspiracy to dispossess
Maharaja Pratap Singh of his throne and annex the J&K State to the British
India. Charges of misgovernment were levelled against Maharaja Pratap Singh.
He was removed and a Council of Regency was constituted to administer the
State. However, accusations against Maharaja couldn't be substantiated. The
State was therefore restored to Maharaja Pratap Singh after 16 years in
1905. This was a great achievement for Dogras.
Struggle Launched by Kashmiri Pandits for a
Separate Home-land in Kashmir
During the administration of the Council of Regency
Strange and mysterious
things seemed to have happened. Kashmiri Pandits again felt suffocated when
they saw virulent Muslim communalism reorganizing itself. They submitted a
petition demanding separate Homeland for themselves in the south of Kashmir.
things seemed to have happened. Kashmiri Pandits again felt suffocated when
they saw virulent Muslim communalism reorganizing itself. They submitted a
petition demanding separate Homeland for themselves in the south of Kashmir.
What happened during the administration of the
Council of Regency needs a
thorough probe by the historians. However, documents are likely to have been
stolen from Kashmir Archives.
thorough probe by the historians. However, documents are likely to have been
stolen from Kashmir Archives.
Demographic Change In December, 1947, Ram
Manohar Lohia had indicated in
his Confidential Note that during the period 1887 to 1947, the Kashmiri
Pandit community had dwindled from one lac to 80,000 (a decrease of 20%)
whereas Muslim population had risen from five lacs to twenty lacs (an
increase of 400%). This needs to be probed into by the historians. Didn't
the British, in connivance with the non-Kashmiri Muslim leaders residing
outside J&K State, give a fillip to Muslim influx into Kashmir from
territories contiguous to the boundries of J&K State?
his Confidential Note that during the period 1887 to 1947, the Kashmiri
Pandit community had dwindled from one lac to 80,000 (a decrease of 20%)
whereas Muslim population had risen from five lacs to twenty lacs (an
increase of 400%). This needs to be probed into by the historians. Didn't
the British, in connivance with the non-Kashmiri Muslim leaders residing
outside J&K State, give a fillip to Muslim influx into Kashmir from
territories contiguous to the boundries of J&K State?
20% decrease in the population of Kashmiri Pandits
could be attributed to
the silent exodus induced by the fear of the revival of fatal Muslim
dominance as the tyrrany, loot, rape and slaughter by Afgans was fresh in
their minds.
the silent exodus induced by the fear of the revival of fatal Muslim
dominance as the tyrrany, loot, rape and slaughter by Afgans was fresh in
their minds.
Maharaja Hari Singh
Maharaja Hari Singh ascended to the throne in 1927.
He was a unique Maharaja
who alone stood up at the Round Table Conference in London in 1933 and
stoutly pleaded for a progressive approach to India's aspirations for
political independence. In this manner he became an eye-sore to the British
Administration in India.
who alone stood up at the Round Table Conference in London in 1933 and
stoutly pleaded for a progressive approach to India's aspirations for
political independence. In this manner he became an eye-sore to the British
Administration in India.
Outside Muslims Foment Trouble in J&K
State
Outside Muslims including Sir Mohammad Iqbal had
been consistently
derogating in public the Treaty of Amritsar (1846) by which Maharaja Gulab
Singh acquired Kashmir and other parts. Therefore, non- Kashmiri Muslims
considered it a religious duty to foment trouble in Kashmir for stirring up
Muslim population against Dogra Rule.
derogating in public the Treaty of Amritsar (1846) by which Maharaja Gulab
Singh acquired Kashmir and other parts. Therefore, non- Kashmiri Muslims
considered it a religious duty to foment trouble in Kashmir for stirring up
Muslim population against Dogra Rule.
On June 25,1931, a congregation was held in the
compound of Khankah-i-Moula
in Srinagar. A non- Kashmiri Muslim who had entered into the State was
delivering a venomous attack on Dogra Maharaja and exhorting the
congregation not to rest till the palace of the Maharaja was razed to the
ground. The stranger was arrested by the police for preaching sedition. His
trial was fixed in the premises of Central Jail, Srinagar, on July 13, 1931.
A massive Muslim mob assembled outside the Central Jail. They were rending
the air with slogans against Dogras, Kafirs and Hindus. At one stage they
violently surged forward to crash open the gate. After firing in the air,
the authorities were compelled to fire upon berserk mob. Over 20 people
died. The mob now directed their ire towards Kashmiri Pandits. Some Kashmiri
Pandits were killed in Chadoora Tehsil. However, effective police
arrangements prevented large scale destruction. Chowdhury Ghulam Abba and
Sheikh Mohamrnad Abdullah, Secretary Muslim Youngmen's Association, were
arrested. Only after a few days they tendered unconditional apology with
oath of loyalty to the Maharaja. As a gesture of goodwill Maharaja ordered
their immediate release.
in Srinagar. A non- Kashmiri Muslim who had entered into the State was
delivering a venomous attack on Dogra Maharaja and exhorting the
congregation not to rest till the palace of the Maharaja was razed to the
ground. The stranger was arrested by the police for preaching sedition. His
trial was fixed in the premises of Central Jail, Srinagar, on July 13, 1931.
A massive Muslim mob assembled outside the Central Jail. They were rending
the air with slogans against Dogras, Kafirs and Hindus. At one stage they
violently surged forward to crash open the gate. After firing in the air,
the authorities were compelled to fire upon berserk mob. Over 20 people
died. The mob now directed their ire towards Kashmiri Pandits. Some Kashmiri
Pandits were killed in Chadoora Tehsil. However, effective police
arrangements prevented large scale destruction. Chowdhury Ghulam Abba and
Sheikh Mohamrnad Abdullah, Secretary Muslim Youngmen's Association, were
arrested. Only after a few days they tendered unconditional apology with
oath of loyalty to the Maharaja. As a gesture of goodwill Maharaja ordered
their immediate release.
Fissure Develops between Sheikh Abdullah and
Moulvi Yusuf
Shah Sheikh Abdullah's oath of loyalty to the
throne was resented to by the
masses. Mirwaize Moulvi Yousuf Shah tried to seize the opportunity for
taking Ieadership into his own hands. He resorted to rabble- rousing with
the cry to JEHAD. However, he was summoned in audience by the Maharaja.
Moulvi Yousuf Shah was so much impressed by the magnanimity of Maharaja that
he swore unstinted loyalty to the throne. Muslim leaders outside J&K State
felt crest- fallen. They constituted a Kashmir Committee at Shimla and
Khalifa Bashir Ahmad Qadyani was made its President. However, Mr.
BashirAhmed was removed for being a Qadyani and Sir Mohammad Iqbal was
elected as President of the Kashmir Committee.
masses. Mirwaize Moulvi Yousuf Shah tried to seize the opportunity for
taking Ieadership into his own hands. He resorted to rabble- rousing with
the cry to JEHAD. However, he was summoned in audience by the Maharaja.
Moulvi Yousuf Shah was so much impressed by the magnanimity of Maharaja that
he swore unstinted loyalty to the throne. Muslim leaders outside J&K State
felt crest- fallen. They constituted a Kashmir Committee at Shimla and
Khalifa Bashir Ahmad Qadyani was made its President. However, Mr.
BashirAhmed was removed for being a Qadyani and Sir Mohammad Iqbal was
elected as President of the Kashmir Committee.
Outside volunteers were sent for fomenting trouble
in Kashmir but tussel for
leadership between Shaikh Moh'd Abdullah and Mirwaiz Moulvi Yussuf Shah
which had taken a serious turn engaged the attention of the masses.
Therefore, outside instigation could not be fully etfective.
leadership between Shaikh Moh'd Abdullah and Mirwaiz Moulvi Yussuf Shah
which had taken a serious turn engaged the attention of the masses.
Therefore, outside instigation could not be fully etfective.
Viceroy's State Visit to Kashmir
In 1933 Viceroy of India was on a state visit to
KashmirMuslim leaders
submitted a memorandum to him alleging atrocities perpetrated by Dogra
Rulers on Kashmiri Muslims. After the departure of Viceroy these leaders
were temporarily banished from the State. There were riots and disturbances.
Maharaj appointed a Commission of Enquiry presided over by Justice Dalal,
Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. Sheikh Abdullah and his
followers refused to cooperate with this commission because they said that
the Commission was composed of people who were in State service and could
not, theretore, function impartially.
submitted a memorandum to him alleging atrocities perpetrated by Dogra
Rulers on Kashmiri Muslims. After the departure of Viceroy these leaders
were temporarily banished from the State. There were riots and disturbances.
Maharaj appointed a Commission of Enquiry presided over by Justice Dalal,
Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. Sheikh Abdullah and his
followers refused to cooperate with this commission because they said that
the Commission was composed of people who were in State service and could
not, theretore, function impartially.
Sheikh Abdullah Abjures Communal Politics:
In 1939 Sheikh Moh'd Abdullah gave up exclusive
communal politics and
changed the nomenclature of his party from Muslim Conference (which was not
a branch of Indian Muslim League) to National Conference (as dlstinct from
lndian National Congress). Perhaps Sheikh Moh'd Abdullah felt that adopting
the policy of All India Muslim League would not serve his interests which he
identified with the interests of the Kashmiri People. Getting cue from Sir
Mohammed Iqbal, Sheikh Abdullah never reconciled to the fact that Maharaja
possessed Kashmir by virtue of the Treaty of Amritsar under which Maharaja
Gulab Singh took possession of Kashmir by paying 15 lakhs of Rupees and
saved the Sikh State from humiliation by the British. It was also lost sight
of that Sikhs had delivered Kashmir out of the foreign yoke by a bravely
fought battle. Also, Treaty of Amritsar continued to be an eye-sore for
other top-ranking Muslim leaders. Sheikh Abdullah was feeling that by
translating into actual practice the anti-Islamic Communist doctrine of
transferring proprietorship of land to the tiller a milestone would be
crossed towards mitigation of effects of the Treaty of Amritsar (1846). For
this purpose he purchased the services of a communist ideologue Shri B.P.L.
Bedi and his French wife Freda Bedi. New Kashmir document was framed and
published under the guidance of Shri B.P.L. Bedi. New Kashmir programme
became as important for the National Conference as Communist Manifesto was
for international communism.
changed the nomenclature of his party from Muslim Conference (which was not
a branch of Indian Muslim League) to National Conference (as dlstinct from
lndian National Congress). Perhaps Sheikh Moh'd Abdullah felt that adopting
the policy of All India Muslim League would not serve his interests which he
identified with the interests of the Kashmiri People. Getting cue from Sir
Mohammed Iqbal, Sheikh Abdullah never reconciled to the fact that Maharaja
possessed Kashmir by virtue of the Treaty of Amritsar under which Maharaja
Gulab Singh took possession of Kashmir by paying 15 lakhs of Rupees and
saved the Sikh State from humiliation by the British. It was also lost sight
of that Sikhs had delivered Kashmir out of the foreign yoke by a bravely
fought battle. Also, Treaty of Amritsar continued to be an eye-sore for
other top-ranking Muslim leaders. Sheikh Abdullah was feeling that by
translating into actual practice the anti-Islamic Communist doctrine of
transferring proprietorship of land to the tiller a milestone would be
crossed towards mitigation of effects of the Treaty of Amritsar (1846). For
this purpose he purchased the services of a communist ideologue Shri B.P.L.
Bedi and his French wife Freda Bedi. New Kashmir document was framed and
published under the guidance of Shri B.P.L. Bedi. New Kashmir programme
became as important for the National Conference as Communist Manifesto was
for international communism.
Quit Kashmir Movement (1946)
In 1946 Cabinet Mission had been sent to India by
the British Government.
Muslim League was employing all its tactics to woo Kashmiri Muslims.
National Conference, however, continued propagating against Muslim
Conference on the plea that its composition was of non-Kashmiri Muslims. Mr.
Moh'd Ali Jinah had paid a visit to the Valley in 1945 but masses in general
under the tutelage of National Conference cold-shouldered him. At some
places there were anti-demonstrations. Events were fast moving on the Indian
scene. Labour Party in England had affirmed granting of independence to
India. Sheikh Moh'd Abdullah had smelt some rat in the visit of Mr. Mohammed
Ali Jinah. He launched Quit Kashmir movement warning Dogras to abdicate
Kashmir all at once. The slogan of the movement was: Bainama Amritsar tod
do, Kashmir chod do (Abrogate Treaty of Amritsar and vacate Kashmir). This
was a movement for the separation of Kashmir from the J&K State created by
the sagacious genius of Maharaja Gulab Singh and nurtured by the blood of
30,000 Dogras during a span of 100 years. Treaty of Amritsar was the corner
stone on which the edifice of J&K State was built and Quit Kashmir movement
launched by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah wanted to dynamite that edifice. It was
a naivete on the part of Mr. Nehru to lend unstinted personal support to
Sheikh Moh'd Abdullah for launching the movement.
Muslim League was employing all its tactics to woo Kashmiri Muslims.
National Conference, however, continued propagating against Muslim
Conference on the plea that its composition was of non-Kashmiri Muslims. Mr.
Moh'd Ali Jinah had paid a visit to the Valley in 1945 but masses in general
under the tutelage of National Conference cold-shouldered him. At some
places there were anti-demonstrations. Events were fast moving on the Indian
scene. Labour Party in England had affirmed granting of independence to
India. Sheikh Moh'd Abdullah had smelt some rat in the visit of Mr. Mohammed
Ali Jinah. He launched Quit Kashmir movement warning Dogras to abdicate
Kashmir all at once. The slogan of the movement was: Bainama Amritsar tod
do, Kashmir chod do (Abrogate Treaty of Amritsar and vacate Kashmir). This
was a movement for the separation of Kashmir from the J&K State created by
the sagacious genius of Maharaja Gulab Singh and nurtured by the blood of
30,000 Dogras during a span of 100 years. Treaty of Amritsar was the corner
stone on which the edifice of J&K State was built and Quit Kashmir movement
launched by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah wanted to dynamite that edifice. It was
a naivete on the part of Mr. Nehru to lend unstinted personal support to
Sheikh Moh'd Abdullah for launching the movement.
Sheikh Abdullah and other leaders of the
National Conference were
immediately arrested.Messers G.M. Bakhshi and G.M. Sadiq fled to Lahore. Mr.
J.L. Nehru dashed to Srinagar for pleading Sheikh Abdullah's case. He was
arrested at Kohala Bridge and he was compelled to go back.
immediately arrested.Messers G.M. Bakhshi and G.M. Sadiq fled to Lahore. Mr.
J.L. Nehru dashed to Srinagar for pleading Sheikh Abdullah's case. He was
arrested at Kohala Bridge and he was compelled to go back.
J&K Government of Maharaja Hari Singh
stoutly stood against the breaking of
Jammu and Kashmir State but Maharaja Hari Singh earned the deep rooted
enemity of Mr. Nehru and his coterie in the Indian National Congress. India
at that time was moving towards a communal holocaust.
Jammu and Kashmir State but Maharaja Hari Singh earned the deep rooted
enemity of Mr. Nehru and his coterie in the Indian National Congress. India
at that time was moving towards a communal holocaust.
Partition of India
India was partitioned into dominions of India and
Pakistan from 15th August,
1947, as per Indian Independence Act, 1947, which after having been passed
by the British Parliament received assent of the British Monarch in August,
1947. As per provisions of the Indian Independence Act, with the lapsing of
the British paramountcy all the native princely states became independent
with sovereignty vesting in the ruling prince. Princes were free to accede
to any dominion and Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, under whatever
circumstances, aceeded to the Dominion of India. If this accession is
challenged then the existence of Pakistant is also to be challenged.
1947, as per Indian Independence Act, 1947, which after having been passed
by the British Parliament received assent of the British Monarch in August,
1947. As per provisions of the Indian Independence Act, with the lapsing of
the British paramountcy all the native princely states became independent
with sovereignty vesting in the ruling prince. Princes were free to accede
to any dominion and Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, under whatever
circumstances, aceeded to the Dominion of India. If this accession is
challenged then the existence of Pakistant is also to be challenged.
Sheikh Abdullah Set Free
Sheikh Abdullah was in prison. Lord Mountbatten
also paid a visit to Kashmir
in July, l947. Mr. Nehru's ill will towards Maharaja Hari Singh contracted
at the time of Quit Kashmir movement was also a stumbling block. In July,
1947, Pandit Ramchander Kak, Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, went to
Delhi to ascertain the modalities of accession. Sardar Patel told him that
he did not want accession of Kashmir against peoples' will.
in July, l947. Mr. Nehru's ill will towards Maharaja Hari Singh contracted
at the time of Quit Kashmir movement was also a stumbling block. In July,
1947, Pandit Ramchander Kak, Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, went to
Delhi to ascertain the modalities of accession. Sardar Patel told him that
he did not want accession of Kashmir against peoples' will.
Maharaja Hari Singh had no evil intention. He sent
emissaries to Sheikh
Abdullah while he was in jail. Sheikh Abdullah again showed himself as a
Machiavellian politician. He addressed a letter dated September 26,1947, to
Maharaja Hari Singh begging pardon and in the last para stating: "Before I
close this letter I beg to assure your Highness once again of my steadfast
loyalty and pray that God under your Highness' aegis bring such an era of
peace, prosperity and good government that it may be second to none and be
an ideal for others to copy. This was the second time Sheikh Abdullah begged
pardon of Maharaja Hari Singh. The first was in 1931.
Abdullah while he was in jail. Sheikh Abdullah again showed himself as a
Machiavellian politician. He addressed a letter dated September 26,1947, to
Maharaja Hari Singh begging pardon and in the last para stating: "Before I
close this letter I beg to assure your Highness once again of my steadfast
loyalty and pray that God under your Highness' aegis bring such an era of
peace, prosperity and good government that it may be second to none and be
an ideal for others to copy. This was the second time Sheikh Abdullah begged
pardon of Maharaja Hari Singh. The first was in 1931.
Maharaja again showed his magnanimity. He got
Sheikh Abdullah released only
after two days i.e. on 29th of September, 1947.
after two days i.e. on 29th of September, 1947.
Standstill Agreement and Pakistan Invasion
Right up from Quit Kashmir movement in April, 1946,
Maharaja was feeling
that he was spurned by Congress leaders. To enable himself to weigh in a
judicious manner the pros and cons of any type of relationship with either
India or Pakistan or with both he needed time. He, therefore, sent a
telegram to Governors General of both the countries for a Standstill
Agreement for 6 months. However, Pakistan Army had already planned seizure
of Kashmir by force under the code name "Operation Gulmarg". 500,000 tribals
and army personnel were moving towards the borders of Jammu and
Kashmir. Along the Jammu border nearly 20,000 Hindus and Sikhs were
slaughtered. 5000
women were taken away and a large number of them were raped and tortured.
When 30,000 refugees conglomerated in Jammu Province there was a backlash
from Hindus. At Muzaffarabad there was a small army contingent of the State
under Major Narayan. It had Muslims and Dogras in equal numbers. Muslims
mutinied and killed all the Dogras alongwith Major Narayan. By this time
i.e. October 22, 1947, large mass of tribesmen, army men in plain clothes
armed with sophisticated weapons were moving along
Rawalpindi-Murree-Baramulla Road. Maharaja Hari Singh ordered Brigadier
Rajender Singh with only 150 men to halt the enemy who were moving like ants
towards Srinagar. The then Prime Minister of J&K State Mr. Meherchand
Khanna wrote to Sardar Patel : "Practically the whole of our Muslim military
and police has eighter deserted or has not behaved in the proper manner. The
help which you promised has not arrived. We are surrounded on all sides."
that he was spurned by Congress leaders. To enable himself to weigh in a
judicious manner the pros and cons of any type of relationship with either
India or Pakistan or with both he needed time. He, therefore, sent a
telegram to Governors General of both the countries for a Standstill
Agreement for 6 months. However, Pakistan Army had already planned seizure
of Kashmir by force under the code name "Operation Gulmarg". 500,000 tribals
and army personnel were moving towards the borders of Jammu and
Kashmir. Along the Jammu border nearly 20,000 Hindus and Sikhs were
slaughtered. 5000
women were taken away and a large number of them were raped and tortured.
When 30,000 refugees conglomerated in Jammu Province there was a backlash
from Hindus. At Muzaffarabad there was a small army contingent of the State
under Major Narayan. It had Muslims and Dogras in equal numbers. Muslims
mutinied and killed all the Dogras alongwith Major Narayan. By this time
i.e. October 22, 1947, large mass of tribesmen, army men in plain clothes
armed with sophisticated weapons were moving along
Rawalpindi-Murree-Baramulla Road. Maharaja Hari Singh ordered Brigadier
Rajender Singh with only 150 men to halt the enemy who were moving like ants
towards Srinagar. The then Prime Minister of J&K State Mr. Meherchand
Khanna wrote to Sardar Patel : "Practically the whole of our Muslim military
and police has eighter deserted or has not behaved in the proper manner. The
help which you promised has not arrived. We are surrounded on all sides."
Brigadier Rajender Singh counts among the greatest
soldiers of the world.
With only 150 men he delayed the advance of the enemy by 3 days. He died on
October 25, 1947, and the truculent marauders, who had already left a trial
of slaughter, arson, loot and rape, advanced on the dead body of Brigadier
Rajender Singh.
With only 150 men he delayed the advance of the enemy by 3 days. He died on
October 25, 1947, and the truculent marauders, who had already left a trial
of slaughter, arson, loot and rape, advanced on the dead body of Brigadier
Rajender Singh.
In the first week of October '47 Sheikh Mohammed
Abdullah had sent an
emissary (Mr. G.M. Sadiq) to Pakistan to discuss with its leaders the future
of J&K State. While Mr. G.M. Sadiq was on his return journey having
discussed the matter with the Prime Minister of Pakistan he came to know of
the clandestine agression of Pakistan whose rapacious tribal shooters and
army personnel had already penetrated deep into the boundaries of the J&K
State. The National Conference leaders considered it a breach of trust and a
challenge to the self-respect of Kashmiris and since the organisation was
deeply entrenched at the grass-root level amongst the masses the entire
population was electrified with repulsion for Pakistan. There was resistance
everywhere offered to the advancing enemy and the slogan was: Hamla-awar
Khabardar, Ham Kashmiri hain tayar (Beware Aggressor, we Kashmiris are ready
to defeat you).
emissary (Mr. G.M. Sadiq) to Pakistan to discuss with its leaders the future
of J&K State. While Mr. G.M. Sadiq was on his return journey having
discussed the matter with the Prime Minister of Pakistan he came to know of
the clandestine agression of Pakistan whose rapacious tribal shooters and
army personnel had already penetrated deep into the boundaries of the J&K
State. The National Conference leaders considered it a breach of trust and a
challenge to the self-respect of Kashmiris and since the organisation was
deeply entrenched at the grass-root level amongst the masses the entire
population was electrified with repulsion for Pakistan. There was resistance
everywhere offered to the advancing enemy and the slogan was: Hamla-awar
Khabardar, Ham Kashmiri hain tayar (Beware Aggressor, we Kashmiris are ready
to defeat you).
By 2nd October Pakistani tribal marksmen and army
regulars arrived at the
outskirts of Srinagar. Was it advisable for Maharaja Hari Singh to stay in
Srinagar? Supposing he was killed or captured who would sign the Instrument
of Accession as per provisions of the Indian Independence Act. The Maharaja
was advised by Lord Mountbatten to leave Srinagar. So he left Srinagar
during night. The whole of Srinagar had been plunged into night darkness as
the invaders had blasted power house at Mohra.
outskirts of Srinagar. Was it advisable for Maharaja Hari Singh to stay in
Srinagar? Supposing he was killed or captured who would sign the Instrument
of Accession as per provisions of the Indian Independence Act. The Maharaja
was advised by Lord Mountbatten to leave Srinagar. So he left Srinagar
during night. The whole of Srinagar had been plunged into night darkness as
the invaders had blasted power house at Mohra.
On 26th October, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed
the Instrument of
Accession. It was forwarded to the Government of India. In the covering
letter Maharaja mentioned that notwithstanding that Pakistan had accepted
the Standstill Agreement it cut off supplies like food, salt and petrol to
the State and pushed into its boundaries afridis (tribals), soldiers in
plain clothes and desperadoes armed with most modern weapons. It was
indicated that the agressor had infiltrated at several points along the
boundary. Maharaja further added that the Mohra Power House which supplied
electricity to Srinagar had been blasted and the aggressor had indulged in
wanton destruction of life and property and kidnapping and raping of women
had been going on unchecked. Maharaja further stated that for saving his
people he had no option but to accede to the Dominion of India. Maharaja
concluded his letter by requesting immediate assistance for saving the
State. Instrument of Accession was accepted by the Government of India on
October 27,1947 and Indian troops set foot in Srinagar on the same day to
drive away the Satanic invaders. Lord Mountbatten on being informed of the
landing of Indian troops at Srinagar wrote to Sardar Patel: "there is no
doubt that if we could have sent our forces a fortnight ago....the position
could have been held with comparative ease."
Accession. It was forwarded to the Government of India. In the covering
letter Maharaja mentioned that notwithstanding that Pakistan had accepted
the Standstill Agreement it cut off supplies like food, salt and petrol to
the State and pushed into its boundaries afridis (tribals), soldiers in
plain clothes and desperadoes armed with most modern weapons. It was
indicated that the agressor had infiltrated at several points along the
boundary. Maharaja further added that the Mohra Power House which supplied
electricity to Srinagar had been blasted and the aggressor had indulged in
wanton destruction of life and property and kidnapping and raping of women
had been going on unchecked. Maharaja further stated that for saving his
people he had no option but to accede to the Dominion of India. Maharaja
concluded his letter by requesting immediate assistance for saving the
State. Instrument of Accession was accepted by the Government of India on
October 27,1947 and Indian troops set foot in Srinagar on the same day to
drive away the Satanic invaders. Lord Mountbatten on being informed of the
landing of Indian troops at Srinagar wrote to Sardar Patel: "there is no
doubt that if we could have sent our forces a fortnight ago....the position
could have been held with comparative ease."
Ouster of Maharaja Hari Singh
Prime Minister kept Kashmir Affairs within PMO
which was resented to by
Sardar Patel. Shri Nehru snubbed him by stating that as Prime Minister he
had to bring co-ordination of various ministries.
Sardar Patel. Shri Nehru snubbed him by stating that as Prime Minister he
had to bring co-ordination of various ministries.
Maharaja Hari Singh continued to be the
constitutional Head of the State. He
appointed Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah as the Nagion e-alia . However, Maharaja
wanted his nominee Meher Chand Khanna to preside over cabinet
meetings. Sheikh Abdullah flouted this idea. When the matter was
brought to the notice
of Shri J.L. Nehru he dubbed Maharaja Hari Singh as "terribly short-sighted"
an obnoxious epithet. Such epithets Mr. Nehru often used against his
opponents. Finally, Sardar Patel was used for the ouster of Maharaja Hari
Singh.
appointed Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah as the Nagion e-alia . However, Maharaja
wanted his nominee Meher Chand Khanna to preside over cabinet
meetings. Sheikh Abdullah flouted this idea. When the matter was
brought to the notice
of Shri J.L. Nehru he dubbed Maharaja Hari Singh as "terribly short-sighted"
an obnoxious epithet. Such epithets Mr. Nehru often used against his
opponents. Finally, Sardar Patel was used for the ouster of Maharaja Hari
Singh.
Sardar bullied Maharaja by stating that in view of
the peculiar situation
obtaining at that time and because of reference to UNO and Plebscite issue
he should absent himself from the State and make Yuvraj Karan Singh his
Regent. Maharaja receded from the field never to return.
obtaining at that time and because of reference to UNO and Plebscite issue
he should absent himself from the State and make Yuvraj Karan Singh his
Regent. Maharaja receded from the field never to return.
Lord Mountbatten's Advice
By December, 1947, Indian troops had cleared
Kashmir Valley of Pakistani
regulars and armed bandits who had left behind a trail of unprecedented
death and devastation. On November 16, 1947, Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Moh'd
Abdullah had said, "These raiders abducted women. They massacred children.
They looted everything and every one. They converted mosques into brothels
and today every Kashmiri loathes the invading tribesmen and their arch
inspirers who have been responsible for such horrors in a land which is
peopled with an overwhelming majority of Musalmans."
regulars and armed bandits who had left behind a trail of unprecedented
death and devastation. On November 16, 1947, Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Moh'd
Abdullah had said, "These raiders abducted women. They massacred children.
They looted everything and every one. They converted mosques into brothels
and today every Kashmiri loathes the invading tribesmen and their arch
inspirers who have been responsible for such horrors in a land which is
peopled with an overwhelming majority of Musalmans."
It was on the advice of Lord Mountbatten as
admitted by him in his letter
dated August 15,1948, that the aggression committed by Pakistan was referred
to the UN Security Council. It was again Lord Mountbatten who advised Mr.
Nehru not to risk war for retaking the territory of J&K State occupied by
Pakistan. He frightened Mr. Nehru that such a step might force U.N.O. to
outlaw India.
dated August 15,1948, that the aggression committed by Pakistan was referred
to the UN Security Council. It was again Lord Mountbatten who advised Mr.
Nehru not to risk war for retaking the territory of J&K State occupied by
Pakistan. He frightened Mr. Nehru that such a step might force U.N.O. to
outlaw India.
The issue of Pakistani armed intervention in
Kashmir was referred to the UN
Security Council on March 18, 1948. After a long debate in the Security
Council, it was decided to send a Commission to India. The UN Commission
arrived in Delhi in March 1948 and had talks with the governments of India
and Pakistan. Pakistan admitted that its armies were fighting in Kashmir.
Security Council on March 18, 1948. After a long debate in the Security
Council, it was decided to send a Commission to India. The UN Commission
arrived in Delhi in March 1948 and had talks with the governments of India
and Pakistan. Pakistan admitted that its armies were fighting in Kashmir.
On August 13,1948, the Security Council
adopted a resolution proposing
cessation of hostilities and asking Pakistan to vacate the territory it
occupied and restoring to the Government of India jurisdiction over the
entire State of Jammu and Kashmir and thereafter arranging for a fair and
impartial plebiscite. India was required to withdraw the bulk of its forces
only after it was notified by the Commission that Pakistan had totally
withdrawn its forces, personnel and nationals from the State. It was,
therefore, the duty of the UN Commission to ensure that Pakistan did
completely withdraw its forces and personnel and nationals from the State. The
Commission subsequently assured India that the plebiscite proposal would not
be binding upon India if the Pakistan did not withdraw its forces from the
State.
cessation of hostilities and asking Pakistan to vacate the territory it
occupied and restoring to the Government of India jurisdiction over the
entire State of Jammu and Kashmir and thereafter arranging for a fair and
impartial plebiscite. India was required to withdraw the bulk of its forces
only after it was notified by the Commission that Pakistan had totally
withdrawn its forces, personnel and nationals from the State. It was,
therefore, the duty of the UN Commission to ensure that Pakistan did
completely withdraw its forces and personnel and nationals from the State. The
Commission subsequently assured India that the plebiscite proposal would not
be binding upon India if the Pakistan did not withdraw its forces from the
State.
Sher-e-Kashmir in Dilemma
From 1949 onwards, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, called
Sher-e-Kashmir, who had
launched a communal agitation in 1931 and the Quit Kashmir Movement in 1946
to wrench away Muslim-majority areas of Kashmir Province from the State,
started to consolidate his grip over the entire State.
launched a communal agitation in 1931 and the Quit Kashmir Movement in 1946
to wrench away Muslim-majority areas of Kashmir Province from the State,
started to consolidate his grip over the entire State.
A ceasefire became effective in January 1949, but
Abdullah was mentally
succumbing to his former ideologies. The conflict was becoming irresistible.
The sovereignty of the State after the departure of the British Raj vested
in Maharaja Hari Singh. After getting himself appointed by the Maharaja as
the Prime Minister, he succeeded in catapulting the Maharaja out of the
field of influence through the grace of Pandit Nehru and the bullying
tactics of Sardar Patel.
succumbing to his former ideologies. The conflict was becoming irresistible.
The sovereignty of the State after the departure of the British Raj vested
in Maharaja Hari Singh. After getting himself appointed by the Maharaja as
the Prime Minister, he succeeded in catapulting the Maharaja out of the
field of influence through the grace of Pandit Nehru and the bullying
tactics of Sardar Patel.
In an interview with Michael Davidson published in
Scotsman of April 14,
1949, Abdullah said: "Accession to either side cannot bring peace. We want
to live in peace with both the dominions; perhaps a middle path between them
will be the only way of doing it. But an independent Kashmir must be
guaranteed by Britain, the USA and other members of the U.N." So Abdullah
(like the Maharaja who was initially for independence) was dreaming of an
independent Kashmir.
1949, Abdullah said: "Accession to either side cannot bring peace. We want
to live in peace with both the dominions; perhaps a middle path between them
will be the only way of doing it. But an independent Kashmir must be
guaranteed by Britain, the USA and other members of the U.N." So Abdullah
(like the Maharaja who was initially for independence) was dreaming of an
independent Kashmir.
Article 370 in Indian Constitution
The Constituent Assembly was framing the
Constitution of India. Abdullah was
nominated in it as the Member, with three others, to represent Kashmir. He
wanted quite a distinct position for the State in the Constitution. He
wanted the entire State to be a republic within a republic. Patel felt a bit
baffled. On October 16, 1949, he wrote to Shri Gopalaswamy Ayyangar:
"Whenever Sheikh Sahib wishes to back out, he always confronts us with his
duty towards the people. Of course, he owes no duty to India or to the
Indian Government or even on personal basis to you and the Prime Minister
who have gone all out to accommodate him...."
nominated in it as the Member, with three others, to represent Kashmir. He
wanted quite a distinct position for the State in the Constitution. He
wanted the entire State to be a republic within a republic. Patel felt a bit
baffled. On October 16, 1949, he wrote to Shri Gopalaswamy Ayyangar:
"Whenever Sheikh Sahib wishes to back out, he always confronts us with his
duty towards the people. Of course, he owes no duty to India or to the
Indian Government or even on personal basis to you and the Prime Minister
who have gone all out to accommodate him...."
Abdullah wrote a threatening letter to Ayyangar on
October 17, 1949, which
in conclusion stated: "In case I fail to hear from you within a reasonable
time, I regret to say that no course is left open but to tender our
resignation from the Constituent Assembly." Nehru succumbed to pressure and
got Article 370 inserted in the Constitution as a temporary measure.
Abdullah failed to have any regard for the people of Ladakh or the people of
the Jammu region.
in conclusion stated: "In case I fail to hear from you within a reasonable
time, I regret to say that no course is left open but to tender our
resignation from the Constituent Assembly." Nehru succumbed to pressure and
got Article 370 inserted in the Constitution as a temporary measure.
Abdullah failed to have any regard for the people of Ladakh or the people of
the Jammu region.
Article 370 sprouted as a hefty tree bearing
poisonous seeds of secession
and separatism and paranoid hatred which the winds of time have been
scattering all over India. These poisonous seeds began to germinate in the
soils of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Panjab, the North-East and at many
other places. The political thinking of the constituents of the United
Front, now in power in India, is the paranoid effect of the gases which
these germinating trees are exhaling into the atmosphere.
and separatism and paranoid hatred which the winds of time have been
scattering all over India. These poisonous seeds began to germinate in the
soils of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Panjab, the North-East and at many
other places. The political thinking of the constituents of the United
Front, now in power in India, is the paranoid effect of the gases which
these germinating trees are exhaling into the atmosphere.
Ladakh was and is a distinct entity. It is a region
of barren crags and sand
dust. The redoubtable valour of Gen. Zoarawar Singh was instrumental in
annexing this region to the kingdom of Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1841. The
Ladakh Buddhist Association had submitted a memorandam to the Indian Prime
Minister in 1947 and later in 1949 seeking a separate set-up for Ladakh
under the direct control of the Central Government.
dust. The redoubtable valour of Gen. Zoarawar Singh was instrumental in
annexing this region to the kingdom of Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1841. The
Ladakh Buddhist Association had submitted a memorandam to the Indian Prime
Minister in 1947 and later in 1949 seeking a separate set-up for Ladakh
under the direct control of the Central Government.
Hindus Without Citizenship
Jammu being a predominantly Hindu area was in
a trauma in 1948. Due to
truculent Pakistani and tribal forays launched in October 1947, more than
30,000 Hindus had been killed, 5000 women had been raped and the same number
of women had been kidnapped. About 30,000 Hindus and Sikhs had fled to Jammu
and were accommodated in refugee camps. These uprooted persons are still
refugees because the State Government dominated by Kashmiri Muslims are not
willing to grant them citizenship. To cover up the atrocities committed by
Pakistani aggressors and Muslims in border areas, Abdullah made thundering
speeches about the massacre of Muslims in Jammu proper for which he was
holding the Dogras and the RSS responsible. No commission was ever
constituted to ascertain the facts. There might have been a moderate
backlash in Jammu because of large killings of Hindus and Muslims in borders
areas but Abdullah again and again spoke of a massacre of Muslims in Jammu.
However, the massacre of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims started only when
Pakistan pushed tribal desperadoes and armymen into the State with a view to
annexing it by sheer force. Till that time the State was peaceful and the
credit for that goes to Maharaja Hari Singh.
truculent Pakistani and tribal forays launched in October 1947, more than
30,000 Hindus had been killed, 5000 women had been raped and the same number
of women had been kidnapped. About 30,000 Hindus and Sikhs had fled to Jammu
and were accommodated in refugee camps. These uprooted persons are still
refugees because the State Government dominated by Kashmiri Muslims are not
willing to grant them citizenship. To cover up the atrocities committed by
Pakistani aggressors and Muslims in border areas, Abdullah made thundering
speeches about the massacre of Muslims in Jammu proper for which he was
holding the Dogras and the RSS responsible. No commission was ever
constituted to ascertain the facts. There might have been a moderate
backlash in Jammu because of large killings of Hindus and Muslims in borders
areas but Abdullah again and again spoke of a massacre of Muslims in Jammu.
However, the massacre of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims started only when
Pakistan pushed tribal desperadoes and armymen into the State with a view to
annexing it by sheer force. Till that time the State was peaceful and the
credit for that goes to Maharaja Hari Singh.
As Abdullah had committed himself for an impartial
plebiscite in Jammu and
Kashmir, he had no raison d'etre to push through the passage and
implementation of the Big Landed Establishment Abolition Act Samvat 2007
(1950) under which land was transferred to the tenants but no compensation
was paid to the proprietors. It allowed big landlords to retain 182 kanals
with a right to one-fourth of the share of produce without grass. This
deprived a good number of Kashmiri Pandits (residing mostly in cities and
towns) and 30,000 Dogra Rajputs of their land holdings without compensation.
Muslim landowners had no difficulty in showing themselve as self-
cultivators.
Kashmir, he had no raison d'etre to push through the passage and
implementation of the Big Landed Establishment Abolition Act Samvat 2007
(1950) under which land was transferred to the tenants but no compensation
was paid to the proprietors. It allowed big landlords to retain 182 kanals
with a right to one-fourth of the share of produce without grass. This
deprived a good number of Kashmiri Pandits (residing mostly in cities and
towns) and 30,000 Dogra Rajputs of their land holdings without compensation.
Muslim landowners had no difficulty in showing themselve as self-
cultivators.
Pandits, Dogras leave Kashmir
Many Kashmiri Pandits, who had no sustenance except
small land holdings,
began moving out of Kashmir. More than 30,000 Dogra Rajputs also left
Kashmir. Today all politicians, MLAs, MPs, VIPs and IAS officers and judges,
tehsildars and even patwaris have the ownership, either in their own name or
in the name of their close relatives, of vast stretches of agricultural land
out of which a sizable portion has been converted into orchards. In 1975,
another agrarian reforms act couched in the language of Muslim personal law
was passed which enabled the new-fangled Muslim elite to consolidate their
hold on vast stretches of orchard land. In 1990, the income from this land
amounted to Rs. 90 crore.
began moving out of Kashmir. More than 30,000 Dogra Rajputs also left
Kashmir. Today all politicians, MLAs, MPs, VIPs and IAS officers and judges,
tehsildars and even patwaris have the ownership, either in their own name or
in the name of their close relatives, of vast stretches of agricultural land
out of which a sizable portion has been converted into orchards. In 1975,
another agrarian reforms act couched in the language of Muslim personal law
was passed which enabled the new-fangled Muslim elite to consolidate their
hold on vast stretches of orchard land. In 1990, the income from this land
amounted to Rs. 90 crore.
Before deciding the political status of the State,
especially when the
matter was under the consideration of the U.N., was Abdullah justified in
passing the act. Just like Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Abdullah proved cleverer
than all the combined leadership of India.
matter was under the consideration of the U.N., was Abdullah justified in
passing the act. Just like Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Abdullah proved cleverer
than all the combined leadership of India.
Abdullah did not give up the habit of making
vituperative harangues against
Maharaja Hari Singh and the Dogras. He often raised the bogey of Muslims
ceasing to trust India and going away to Pakistan. Dr. Karan Singh, the sole
scion of the dynasty of Maharaja Gulab Singh and a votary of Sri Aurobindo,
swallowed everything. He is more concerned about his vast properties.
Maharaja Hari Singh and the Dogras. He often raised the bogey of Muslims
ceasing to trust India and going away to Pakistan. Dr. Karan Singh, the sole
scion of the dynasty of Maharaja Gulab Singh and a votary of Sri Aurobindo,
swallowed everything. He is more concerned about his vast properties.
Regarding the phantom of Muslims ceasing to trust
India, Shri Syama Prasad
Mookerjee wrote to Abdullah on February 13, 1953, that ".. if 4 crore
Muslims in India can be expected to live with safety and honour under the
Constitution, why should 30 lakh Muslims in Kashmir, who will be the
majority community in their State, be in a mood to go out of India, unless
they honestly feel that their future lies with an Islamic country such as
Pakistan. Secular democracy cannot develop by following the method of the
marketplace."
Mookerjee wrote to Abdullah on February 13, 1953, that ".. if 4 crore
Muslims in India can be expected to live with safety and honour under the
Constitution, why should 30 lakh Muslims in Kashmir, who will be the
majority community in their State, be in a mood to go out of India, unless
they honestly feel that their future lies with an Islamic country such as
Pakistan. Secular democracy cannot develop by following the method of the
marketplace."
Abdullah got a Constituent Assembly elected for the
State in 1951. It had 75
members, all elected unopposed. Nomination papers of most of the candidates
were rejected and the severest axe fell on the candidates sponsored by the
Praja Parishad, a party founded by Pandit Prem Nath Dogra. The Constituent
Assembly framed a separate Constitution for the State providing for a
separate President (Sadr- e-Riyasat), a separate Prime Minister, a separate
flag and separate electoral laws.
members, all elected unopposed. Nomination papers of most of the candidates
were rejected and the severest axe fell on the candidates sponsored by the
Praja Parishad, a party founded by Pandit Prem Nath Dogra. The Constituent
Assembly framed a separate Constitution for the State providing for a
separate President (Sadr- e-Riyasat), a separate Prime Minister, a separate
flag and separate electoral laws.
Weightage to Muslim Vote
The Sheikh was making all types of topsy-turvey
moves which went counter to
the avowed concepts of a secular democracy. In Kashmir, the number of voters
in an assembly constituency was 73,000 whereas in Jarnmu it was 93,000, thus
giving more weightage to the Muslim vote. The border districts in Jammu were
redemarcated on communal lines which showed its results during the current
terrorist insurgency. There was interference in the working of the
Dharamarth Trust founded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh for the management of
Hindu shrines and temples in the State. A special permit system was
introduced for the Indians for entering the State. There was a separate
customs duty. A paramilitary organisation called the National Militia had
been raised from amongst diehard National Conference workers of the Valley.
The force consisted of Muslim recruits only.
the avowed concepts of a secular democracy. In Kashmir, the number of voters
in an assembly constituency was 73,000 whereas in Jarnmu it was 93,000, thus
giving more weightage to the Muslim vote. The border districts in Jammu were
redemarcated on communal lines which showed its results during the current
terrorist insurgency. There was interference in the working of the
Dharamarth Trust founded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh for the management of
Hindu shrines and temples in the State. A special permit system was
introduced for the Indians for entering the State. There was a separate
customs duty. A paramilitary organisation called the National Militia had
been raised from amongst diehard National Conference workers of the Valley.
The force consisted of Muslim recruits only.
By the first half of 1952, much of the Sheikh's
charisma had faded away
because he employed ruthless methods to suppress dissent. The people were
detained without trial and the police under SP Ghulam Qadir Ganderbali used
third-degree methods. He thought that excessive repression was necessitated
because Pakistan by commissioning so- called Azad Kashmir Radio was blaring
out most heinous and villainous propaganda on atrociously communal lines to
the people of the Valley. This was in contravention of Part II-A of the UN
Resolution of August 13, 1948.
because he employed ruthless methods to suppress dissent. The people were
detained without trial and the police under SP Ghulam Qadir Ganderbali used
third-degree methods. He thought that excessive repression was necessitated
because Pakistan by commissioning so- called Azad Kashmir Radio was blaring
out most heinous and villainous propaganda on atrociously communal lines to
the people of the Valley. This was in contravention of Part II-A of the UN
Resolution of August 13, 1948.
In June 1952, an Indian correspondent reported an
utterance of Sheikh
Abdullah which smacked of an independent state and not independent Kashmir.
The people of Jammu region and the Buddhists of Ladakh got a bit shaking. In
July 1952, he entered into an agreement with the Central Government which
envisaged integration of the State not only in respect of defence, foreign
relations and communications but also in respect of financial and some
selected matters. He treated Indian leaders as footlings and took his own
time for implementing the Delhi Agreement of July 1952 and adopted dilly-
dallying tactics.
Abdullah which smacked of an independent state and not independent Kashmir.
The people of Jammu region and the Buddhists of Ladakh got a bit shaking. In
July 1952, he entered into an agreement with the Central Government which
envisaged integration of the State not only in respect of defence, foreign
relations and communications but also in respect of financial and some
selected matters. He treated Indian leaders as footlings and took his own
time for implementing the Delhi Agreement of July 1952 and adopted dilly-
dallying tactics.
Settlement of Accession
The people of Jammu under the leadership of Prem
Nath Dogra decided to
launch a do-or-die struggle. They wanted that the question of accession
should be treated as settled or decided once for all and not left to an
uncertain future. The second question that took precedence was to recover
one- third of the territory occupied by Pakistan through wanton aggression.
The Jammu people were very much fed up with the UN. They felt that it was a
forum for big power rivalry. It took the UN no time to brand North Korea as
an aggressor when North Koreans made a foray into South Korea by crossing
the 38th Parallel. President Trueman even went to the extent of using
nuclear weapons to teach North Korea and China a lesson but, in the case ot
Kashmir, they were giving more privileges to the aggressor Pakistan and
treating India at par with the aggressor.
launch a do-or-die struggle. They wanted that the question of accession
should be treated as settled or decided once for all and not left to an
uncertain future. The second question that took precedence was to recover
one- third of the territory occupied by Pakistan through wanton aggression.
The Jammu people were very much fed up with the UN. They felt that it was a
forum for big power rivalry. It took the UN no time to brand North Korea as
an aggressor when North Koreans made a foray into South Korea by crossing
the 38th Parallel. President Trueman even went to the extent of using
nuclear weapons to teach North Korea and China a lesson but, in the case ot
Kashmir, they were giving more privileges to the aggressor Pakistan and
treating India at par with the aggressor.
The people of Jammu were flabbergasted at the
attitude of Sheikh Abdullah
who was not only delaying the integration of the State in respect of such
subjects as defence, foreign affairs and communications but also creating a
unique type of sovereignty for Kashmir. They were eager to see the
integration of the State in respect of such subjects as fundamental rights,
rights of citizenship, jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, the functions and
constitution of high courts, the President's powers, national planning,
financial integration and the conduct of elections. There was also mistrust
owing to the non-implementation of the Delhi Agreement of 1952.
who was not only delaying the integration of the State in respect of such
subjects as defence, foreign affairs and communications but also creating a
unique type of sovereignty for Kashmir. They were eager to see the
integration of the State in respect of such subjects as fundamental rights,
rights of citizenship, jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, the functions and
constitution of high courts, the President's powers, national planning,
financial integration and the conduct of elections. There was also mistrust
owing to the non-implementation of the Delhi Agreement of 1952.
There were about 30,000 Hindu and Sikh refugees
from border areas who had
fled to Jammu at the time of Pakistani raids. They were being treated as
foreigners. Lakhs of Sikh and Hindu refugees who had fled West Pakistan and
flooded East Punjab and Delhi had been totally absorbed as Indian citizens
by the Punjab and Central governments but those who had entered the state
were being treated as foreigners and till date they are bereft of
citizenship.
fled to Jammu at the time of Pakistani raids. They were being treated as
foreigners. Lakhs of Sikh and Hindu refugees who had fled West Pakistan and
flooded East Punjab and Delhi had been totally absorbed as Indian citizens
by the Punjab and Central governments but those who had entered the state
were being treated as foreigners and till date they are bereft of
citizenship.
Inroads in Dharamarth Trust
Sheikh Abdullah's Government was also tending to
make inroads into the
working of Dharamarth Trust. This was unplatable and the leaders of the
Praja Parishad under all dispensations wanted provincial autonomy for Jammu
and Ladakh.
working of Dharamarth Trust. This was unplatable and the leaders of the
Praja Parishad under all dispensations wanted provincial autonomy for Jammu
and Ladakh.
There was the question of Indian Tricolour -
whether it would fly atop the
seat of the government at Srinagar and Jammu. Abdullah had decided to make
the National Conference's red flag with a white plough as the flag of the
State Government. During the Praja Parishad agitation, Syama Prasad
Mookerjee had rightly written to Abdullah on February 13, 1953, that "India
has been torn into two by the two-nation theory. You are now developing a
three-nation theory, the third being the Kashmiri nation."
seat of the government at Srinagar and Jammu. Abdullah had decided to make
the National Conference's red flag with a white plough as the flag of the
State Government. During the Praja Parishad agitation, Syama Prasad
Mookerjee had rightly written to Abdullah on February 13, 1953, that "India
has been torn into two by the two-nation theory. You are now developing a
three-nation theory, the third being the Kashmiri nation."
On November 11, 1953, the State Legislative
Assembly elected Dr. Karan Singh
as Sadr-e-Riyasat. On November 22, 1953, he moved to Jammu from Srinagar and
the Praja Parishad launched an agitation starting with a black flag
demonstration against the Sadr-e-Riyasat.
as Sadr-e-Riyasat. On November 22, 1953, he moved to Jammu from Srinagar and
the Praja Parishad launched an agitation starting with a black flag
demonstration against the Sadr-e-Riyasat.
The Praja Parishad movement spread like wild fire.
The watchword of the
struggle was Ek Bidhan, Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan (One Constitution, One
President, One Flag) for the entire country. As the agitation assumed
torrential proportions, both the State and the Central Government were
shaken. Pt. Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah termed the agitation as extremely
harmful, communal and bigoted. The state machinery flung into action. The
Indian police and the state police got full powers for using batons and
bullets against the demonstrators.
struggle was Ek Bidhan, Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan (One Constitution, One
President, One Flag) for the entire country. As the agitation assumed
torrential proportions, both the State and the Central Government were
shaken. Pt. Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah termed the agitation as extremely
harmful, communal and bigoted. The state machinery flung into action. The
Indian police and the state police got full powers for using batons and
bullets against the demonstrators.
Repression Let Loose
The agitation spread to all the districts of Jammu.
There were widespread
demonstrations. Pt. Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah had no qualms to use the
maximum of force. As we have at present, there were no human rights
activists. Hundreds of people fell before bullets. Nearly 20 people were
killed. Abdullah seemed to avenge the deaths that occurred on July 13,
1931, at Srinagar. Repression, imprisonments, leathicharges and bullets
became the order of the day. Sheikh Abdullah's National Militia ran berserk
at places and did not hesitate to commit outrages on women. The properties
of many persons were confiscated and the pensions of many people were
withheld. All that the crowds demanded was the supremacy of the Indian
President, the supremacy of the Indian Constitution and the supremacy of the
Indian Flag. They wanted that the question or accession of the State to the
Indian Union should not be left to the mercy of fluctuating winds. They
wanted the maximum integration of the State with India and provincial
autonomy for all the three regions of the State. Pt. Nehru employed the
Preventive Detention Act for suppressing demonstrations in other states
expressing sympathy with the people of Jammu. The whole of Jammu province
became a boiling pot of tyranny and suppression.
demonstrations. Pt. Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah had no qualms to use the
maximum of force. As we have at present, there were no human rights
activists. Hundreds of people fell before bullets. Nearly 20 people were
killed. Abdullah seemed to avenge the deaths that occurred on July 13,
1931, at Srinagar. Repression, imprisonments, leathicharges and bullets
became the order of the day. Sheikh Abdullah's National Militia ran berserk
at places and did not hesitate to commit outrages on women. The properties
of many persons were confiscated and the pensions of many people were
withheld. All that the crowds demanded was the supremacy of the Indian
President, the supremacy of the Indian Constitution and the supremacy of the
Indian Flag. They wanted that the question or accession of the State to the
Indian Union should not be left to the mercy of fluctuating winds. They
wanted the maximum integration of the State with India and provincial
autonomy for all the three regions of the State. Pt. Nehru employed the
Preventive Detention Act for suppressing demonstrations in other states
expressing sympathy with the people of Jammu. The whole of Jammu province
became a boiling pot of tyranny and suppression.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee wrote several letters to
Sheikh Abdullah and Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru but mostly received bluff and invectives. In his letter
dated February 4, 1953, Sheikh Abdullah admitted that conditions for
impartial plebiscite had not been provided but added that Kashmiri Muslims
would not falter from their ideals even if they are left alone in this great
battle of secularism and human brotherhood. These were all hollow words only
to obfuscate the mind of the opponent.
Jawaharlal Nehru but mostly received bluff and invectives. In his letter
dated February 4, 1953, Sheikh Abdullah admitted that conditions for
impartial plebiscite had not been provided but added that Kashmiri Muslims
would not falter from their ideals even if they are left alone in this great
battle of secularism and human brotherhood. These were all hollow words only
to obfuscate the mind of the opponent.
When the State offices moved to Srinagar in May
1953, Shri Mookerjee wanted
to discuss the matter with Sheikh Abdullah at Srinagar. Encouraged by Nehru,
he had made Jammu and Kashmir a state within a state. There was the entry
permit system in vogue for allowing Indian citizens to enter the State. Shri
Mookerjee, who was denied permission to enter the State, defied the ban and
entered the State. He was arrested and kept at Chashma Shahi Guest House.
How he was treated or served food God only knows. He developed a strange
type of allergy and breathed his last in S.M.H.S. Hospital. How he was
killed and by whom, nobody knows.
to discuss the matter with Sheikh Abdullah at Srinagar. Encouraged by Nehru,
he had made Jammu and Kashmir a state within a state. There was the entry
permit system in vogue for allowing Indian citizens to enter the State. Shri
Mookerjee, who was denied permission to enter the State, defied the ban and
entered the State. He was arrested and kept at Chashma Shahi Guest House.
How he was treated or served food God only knows. He developed a strange
type of allergy and breathed his last in S.M.H.S. Hospital. How he was
killed and by whom, nobody knows.
Mookerjee's Mysterious Death
Today we have commissions probing into the death of
late Rajiv Gandhi but
the death of Shri Mookerjee was treated as the death of a washout. Maybe, a
probe would reveal a conspiracy to finish him up. Maybe,
Nehru-Abdullah-Mookerjee correspondence exchanged during the agitation would
throw up some conspiratorial angle. Everything was hushed up and the
agitation on his mysterious death was ruthlessly suppressed. It was ensured
that even a tiny spark was put out.
the death of Shri Mookerjee was treated as the death of a washout. Maybe, a
probe would reveal a conspiracy to finish him up. Maybe,
Nehru-Abdullah-Mookerjee correspondence exchanged during the agitation would
throw up some conspiratorial angle. Everything was hushed up and the
agitation on his mysterious death was ruthlessly suppressed. It was ensured
that even a tiny spark was put out.
When Sheikh Abdullah launched the Quit Kashmir
Movement in 1946 to wrench
away Kashmir from the Dogra rule, Pt. Nehru rushed to his assistance but was
arrested at Kohala Bridge by the security forces of Maharaja Hari Singh. He
was requested to go back and he did go back. When after 7 years, Shri
Mookerjee, defying the ban for the sake of integrity of India, went to meet
Sheikh Abdullah he was done to death.
away Kashmir from the Dogra rule, Pt. Nehru rushed to his assistance but was
arrested at Kohala Bridge by the security forces of Maharaja Hari Singh. He
was requested to go back and he did go back. When after 7 years, Shri
Mookerjee, defying the ban for the sake of integrity of India, went to meet
Sheikh Abdullah he was done to death.
Shri Mookerjee gave his life for the integrity of
India. Subsequently, his
own people forgot him. The political party he had founded was relegated to
the limbo of a unpleasant past. His disciples began to wag to new situations
with a fresh gusto and crisp rhetoric.
own people forgot him. The political party he had founded was relegated to
the limbo of a unpleasant past. His disciples began to wag to new situations
with a fresh gusto and crisp rhetoric.
The Praja Parishad Movement was the first movement
after independence aimed
at ensuring the unity and integrity of India. In its scope, it was more
important than the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 which was triggered by a smarting
hurt to deep-rooted religious sentiments of Hindus and Muslims.
at ensuring the unity and integrity of India. In its scope, it was more
important than the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 which was triggered by a smarting
hurt to deep-rooted religious sentiments of Hindus and Muslims.
One of the moving figures of the Praja Parishad
Movement was Pandit Makhan
Lal Harkara who passed away only this year - an irreparable loss to the
Kashmiri Pandit community.
Lal Harkara who passed away only this year - an irreparable loss to the
Kashmiri Pandit community.
Praja Parishad's Vision
The Movement in thc depth of its vision was of
greater import than the
freedom struggle which culminated in the division of the country and loss
and subversion of millions of lives. It aimed at ensuring the integral unity
of India. But Pt. Nehru ensured to suppress it totally. Today we see what
has been the result of nurturing and watering Article 370 and Sheikh
Abdullah. Every State of importance, at one time or the other, has been
tbreatening to secede from the Indian Union. During the 13 days of the BJP
Government, when the vote of confidence was being discussed in Parliament,
Shri Murasoli Maran of the DMK confronted the BJP and derisively scoffed at
their talk of one country and one people. Whatever Shri Maran has to say,
the Siva temple at Tanjore built by Raja the Great is a symbol of Indian
unity. Regional parties are now acting centrifugally and what is now in
store for India, only future can unfold. The politicians at the helm of
affairs are pampering terrorists as their "own children" or misguided youth.
All these utterances smack of cowardice. In fact the Hindu psyche was
tempered into the masochist mould during the 1,000 years of the Muslim rule
when at times persecution reached its zenith and Hindus were deprived of
every vestige of citizenship rights.
freedom struggle which culminated in the division of the country and loss
and subversion of millions of lives. It aimed at ensuring the integral unity
of India. But Pt. Nehru ensured to suppress it totally. Today we see what
has been the result of nurturing and watering Article 370 and Sheikh
Abdullah. Every State of importance, at one time or the other, has been
tbreatening to secede from the Indian Union. During the 13 days of the BJP
Government, when the vote of confidence was being discussed in Parliament,
Shri Murasoli Maran of the DMK confronted the BJP and derisively scoffed at
their talk of one country and one people. Whatever Shri Maran has to say,
the Siva temple at Tanjore built by Raja the Great is a symbol of Indian
unity. Regional parties are now acting centrifugally and what is now in
store for India, only future can unfold. The politicians at the helm of
affairs are pampering terrorists as their "own children" or misguided youth.
All these utterances smack of cowardice. In fact the Hindu psyche was
tempered into the masochist mould during the 1,000 years of the Muslim rule
when at times persecution reached its zenith and Hindus were deprived of
every vestige of citizenship rights.
It is surprising that Shri Jagmohan in his book "My
Frozen Turbulence" has
hardly given any account of the Praja Parishad Movement of 1953. In this
way, he has tried to be irresponsible as a historian.
hardly given any account of the Praja Parishad Movement of 1953. In this
way, he has tried to be irresponsible as a historian.
The BJP bosses at Jammu, Shri Chaman Lal Gupta,
Vaidya Vishnu Dutt, Shri
Bhagwat Swarup and others, have never strived to publish a properly
documented book on the Movement with a special reference to
Nehru-Mookerjee-Abdullah correspondence. The party has its of fice in the
heart of the city donated by Pt. Prem Nath Dogra, founder of the Parishad.
The whole property is worth more than Rs. 50 lakh. At least in deference to
Pt. Dogra, they should have published such a book.
Bhagwat Swarup and others, have never strived to publish a properly
documented book on the Movement with a special reference to
Nehru-Mookerjee-Abdullah correspondence. The party has its of fice in the
heart of the city donated by Pt. Prem Nath Dogra, founder of the Parishad.
The whole property is worth more than Rs. 50 lakh. At least in deference to
Pt. Dogra, they should have published such a book.
Arrest of Sheikh Abdullah
It was rumoured that the death of Shri Mookerjee
under the State's custody
made Sheikh Abdullah to pass many sleepless nights. After the event, he made
the sharpest possible utterances at various places. He wanted to seize the
earliest opportunity by the forelock to wrench away the State whether the
people of Jammu and Ladakh liked it or not.
made Sheikh Abdullah to pass many sleepless nights. After the event, he made
the sharpest possible utterances at various places. He wanted to seize the
earliest opportunity by the forelock to wrench away the State whether the
people of Jammu and Ladakh liked it or not.
On August 8, 1953, Sheikh Abdullah went to Gulmarg
and stayed in a posh
hotel with his trusted lieutenants. Rumours were doing the rounds that CIA
agents and British Intelligence detectives had infested the area. It was
rumoured that, on August 9, 1953, he would make a declaration about the
independent State and America and Britain would rush to guarantee that
declaration.
hotel with his trusted lieutenants. Rumours were doing the rounds that CIA
agents and British Intelligence detectives had infested the area. It was
rumoured that, on August 9, 1953, he would make a declaration about the
independent State and America and Britain would rush to guarantee that
declaration.
As Sheikh Abdullah was coming down from Gulmarg
towards Srinagar, he was
arrested alongwith his lieutenants by the State Government. The arrest
warrant was signed by the Sadr-e-Riyasat. Despite widespread violence,
Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed took over as the Prime Minister of the State.
arrested alongwith his lieutenants by the State Government. The arrest
warrant was signed by the Sadr-e-Riyasat. Despite widespread violence,
Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed took over as the Prime Minister of the State.
Ten years of Bakshi's rule saw a spate of
construction works. Dissent was
suppressed with a iron hand. The people became prosperous. Indigenous
industry flourished and tourism picked up. Many housing colonies sprouted.
However, during his regime the forest cover of the State suffered maximum
diminution.
suppressed with a iron hand. The people became prosperous. Indigenous
industry flourished and tourism picked up. Many housing colonies sprouted.
However, during his regime the forest cover of the State suffered maximum
diminution.
On August 23, 1963, Pandit Nehru induced the Bakshi
to resign under the
Kamaraj Plan and Shri Shamas-ud-din took over.
Kamaraj Plan and Shri Shamas-ud-din took over.
Stop-Gap Prime Minister
Shri Shamas-ud-din had been working only for few
months when during the
night of 26th and 27th of December, 1963, the Holy Relic was found missing
at Hazratbal Dargah. The entire Valley was plunged into a vioient commotion.
However, there were no communal riots. Kashmiri Pandits sincerely joined
Muslims in expressing shock and trauma at the loss of the Relic and
fervently participated in demonstrations and marches for its recovery at the
earliest. The Central and the State governments had traumatic experiences.
However, the holy Relic was recovered and its genuineness established.
night of 26th and 27th of December, 1963, the Holy Relic was found missing
at Hazratbal Dargah. The entire Valley was plunged into a vioient commotion.
However, there were no communal riots. Kashmiri Pandits sincerely joined
Muslims in expressing shock and trauma at the loss of the Relic and
fervently participated in demonstrations and marches for its recovery at the
earliest. The Central and the State governments had traumatic experiences.
However, the holy Relic was recovered and its genuineness established.
During the tenure of Shri Shamas-ud-din, the State
Assembly passed an
amendment to the State's Constitution whereby Article 356 of the
Constitution of India became applicable to the State. During a span of 15
years from 1948, Pakistan prodded the Security Council to take up the
Kashmir issue. Because of India's independent foreign policy and close
bilateral relationship with the then Soviet Union, the Anglo-American bloc
led by the USA had developed a chronic apathy for it. Resolutions were moved
to activate the Security Council Resolution of 1948 but the USSR blocked the
moves by exercising veto. The
amendment to the State's Constitution whereby Article 356 of the
Constitution of India became applicable to the State. During a span of 15
years from 1948, Pakistan prodded the Security Council to take up the
Kashmir issue. Because of India's independent foreign policy and close
bilateral relationship with the then Soviet Union, the Anglo-American bloc
led by the USA had developed a chronic apathy for it. Resolutions were moved
to activate the Security Council Resolution of 1948 but the USSR blocked the
moves by exercising veto. The
Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja
Hari Singh under the provisions
of the British Independence Act of 1947 is final and irrevocable. If it is
not final, then the existence of Pakistan is also temporary. Pakistan or
Bangaldesh were part of British India before August 15,1947, and if India
treats the British Independence Act as a scrap of paper and has sufficient
striking power, it has every justification to annex Pakistan. When
sovereignty is not under dispute, the UN has no jurisdiction to arbitrate
upon the right of self-determination.
of the British Independence Act of 1947 is final and irrevocable. If it is
not final, then the existence of Pakistan is also temporary. Pakistan or
Bangaldesh were part of British India before August 15,1947, and if India
treats the British Independence Act as a scrap of paper and has sufficient
striking power, it has every justification to annex Pakistan. When
sovereignty is not under dispute, the UN has no jurisdiction to arbitrate
upon the right of self-determination.
The State Assembly has no locus standi to affirm or
deny the Instrument of
Accession signed by the Maharaja and accepted by the Government of India.
The Governor-General of India, while accepting it, has not appended any
condition whatsoever to its acceptance.
Accession signed by the Maharaja and accepted by the Government of India.
The Governor-General of India, while accepting it, has not appended any
condition whatsoever to its acceptance.
Sadiq becomes Prime Minister
On February 8, 1964, Shri Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq
became the Prime Minister of
Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained a low profile and allowed the freedom of
expression, and political activities of all sorts and was not averse to
Jamaat-e-Islami trimming its activities. It was he who brought about closer
ties between the State and the country by making various provisions of the
Indian Constitution applicable to the State. He changed the nomenclature of
the Sadr-e-Riyasat to the Governor and the Prime Minister of the State to
the Chief Minister. He also established a branch of Indian National Congress
in the State and Syed Mir Qasim was elected its President. Moreover, he got
Sheikh Abdullah and his colleagues released from jail.
Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained a low profile and allowed the freedom of
expression, and political activities of all sorts and was not averse to
Jamaat-e-Islami trimming its activities. It was he who brought about closer
ties between the State and the country by making various provisions of the
Indian Constitution applicable to the State. He changed the nomenclature of
the Sadr-e-Riyasat to the Governor and the Prime Minister of the State to
the Chief Minister. He also established a branch of Indian National Congress
in the State and Syed Mir Qasim was elected its President. Moreover, he got
Sheikh Abdullah and his colleagues released from jail.
With the release of Sheikh Abdullah, the activities
of the Plebiscite Front,
established by Mirza Afzal Beg, the most trusted lieutenant of
SheikhAbdullah, in 1958, intensified its activities. Shri Sadiq believed
that opposite forces could be neutralized not by extreme suppression but by
allowing them to play their role to a certain extent.
established by Mirza Afzal Beg, the most trusted lieutenant of
SheikhAbdullah, in 1958, intensified its activities. Shri Sadiq believed
that opposite forces could be neutralized not by extreme suppression but by
allowing them to play their role to a certain extent.
Sheikh Abdullah was allowed to visit Pakistan.
During these days, the
Congress session was in full swing at Bhubaneshwar and Pt. Nehru was
attending it. Perhaps being upset by the Sheikh's bitter demogogic harangues
in Pakistan, he suffered a stroke which kept him wrecked up to his death on
May 27, 1964.
Congress session was in full swing at Bhubaneshwar and Pt. Nehru was
attending it. Perhaps being upset by the Sheikh's bitter demogogic harangues
in Pakistan, he suffered a stroke which kept him wrecked up to his death on
May 27, 1964.
When Sheikh Abdullah was rearrested on April
29, 1958, objectionable papers
endorsing Pakistani line of action were recovered from his residence. A case
of conspiracy was filed against him in an appropriate court. During the
hearings of the case, statements before the court were dangerously anti-
India and stood in sharp contrast to his utterances in 1948.
endorsing Pakistani line of action were recovered from his residence. A case
of conspiracy was filed against him in an appropriate court. During the
hearings of the case, statements before the court were dangerously anti-
India and stood in sharp contrast to his utterances in 1948.
In his book titled: "The Crisis Game by Sydney," F.
Fiffin (1965) we find an
account of two fictional crisis exercises codenamed Cuba and Kashmir 1966
conducted by Institute of Defence Analyses, Washington D.C. in February
1965, envisaging a war between India and Pakistan in September 1966. There
was deliberate shifting of the calendar year by one year while hostilities
between India and Pakistan broke out on September 1,1965. This shows that
planning of a Pakistani attack on Kashmir was planned by the US Strategic
Intelligence.When the hostilities actually broke out, China attacked India
in Sikkim. The USA intervened to bring hostilities to an end.
account of two fictional crisis exercises codenamed Cuba and Kashmir 1966
conducted by Institute of Defence Analyses, Washington D.C. in February
1965, envisaging a war between India and Pakistan in September 1966. There
was deliberate shifting of the calendar year by one year while hostilities
between India and Pakistan broke out on September 1,1965. This shows that
planning of a Pakistani attack on Kashmir was planned by the US Strategic
Intelligence.When the hostilities actually broke out, China attacked India
in Sikkim. The USA intervened to bring hostilities to an end.
In his book Spy For All Seasons; My Life In CIA,
Mr. Duane R. Clarridge who
operated in Madras and Delhi in 1964 gives an account of how aggression in
1965 on Kashmir by Pakistan was carried out with the prior approval of
Sheikh Abdullah. After having been set free in 1964, he went to Saudi Arabia
for performing Haj. Mr. Clarridge states that he went to contact Sheikh
Abdullah at Jeddah where he gave him (Mr. Clarridge) the whole view of
Pakistani warplan on Kashmir. As per Mr. Clarridge, Sheikh stated: "The
Pakistanis were going to begin infiltrating small guerilla units out of Azad
Kashmir into Kashmir proper. These units would then begin to stir things up.
Once the insurrection got under way in Kashmir, regular Pakistani military
forces would come to Kashmir's aid."
operated in Madras and Delhi in 1964 gives an account of how aggression in
1965 on Kashmir by Pakistan was carried out with the prior approval of
Sheikh Abdullah. After having been set free in 1964, he went to Saudi Arabia
for performing Haj. Mr. Clarridge states that he went to contact Sheikh
Abdullah at Jeddah where he gave him (Mr. Clarridge) the whole view of
Pakistani warplan on Kashmir. As per Mr. Clarridge, Sheikh stated: "The
Pakistanis were going to begin infiltrating small guerilla units out of Azad
Kashmir into Kashmir proper. These units would then begin to stir things up.
Once the insurrection got under way in Kashmir, regular Pakistani military
forces would come to Kashmir's aid."
In April 1965, to bewilder Indian strategists,
Pakistan struck in the Rann
of Kutch with Patton tanks in violation of the assurance given by the US
President and the Secretary of State that US military equipment would not be
used against India. India brought the deployment and use of Patton tanks by
Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch to the notice of US Government but it ignored
the Indian protest.
of Kutch with Patton tanks in violation of the assurance given by the US
President and the Secretary of State that US military equipment would not be
used against India. India brought the deployment and use of Patton tanks by
Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch to the notice of US Government but it ignored
the Indian protest.
Three months before the outbreak of hostilities on
September I,1965,
thousands of armed guerillas of Pakistan infiltrated into Kashmir on the
western side. They followed their usual pattern of loot and human slaughter.
However, timely information about it was supplied to the Government by some
Gujjar leaders. The entire Gujjar population treated infiltrators with
resentment. The rural population also did not cooperate with them and were
loath to entertain them with chickens, eggs and rice. There were some
skirmishes at Batmalloo and Bemina in Srinagar. Some policemen died in
grenade attacks.
thousands of armed guerillas of Pakistan infiltrated into Kashmir on the
western side. They followed their usual pattern of loot and human slaughter.
However, timely information about it was supplied to the Government by some
Gujjar leaders. The entire Gujjar population treated infiltrators with
resentment. The rural population also did not cooperate with them and were
loath to entertain them with chickens, eggs and rice. There were some
skirmishes at Batmalloo and Bemina in Srinagar. Some policemen died in
grenade attacks.
Infiltrators Take to Heels
However, in the tactical handling by Shri Sadiq and
his colleagues and
non-cooperation by the local population made the infiltrators take to their
heels through forests of Gulmarg. The fleeing infiltrators also kindnapped
one or two Kashmiri Pandits whose whereabouts remained untraced.
non-cooperation by the local population made the infiltrators take to their
heels through forests of Gulmarg. The fleeing infiltrators also kindnapped
one or two Kashmiri Pandits whose whereabouts remained untraced.
Gen. Ayub Khan was very much dismayed at the
failure of his plan to create
Vietnam-like conditions in Kashmir because he lent his full weightage to the
participation of the Kashmiri populace for stirring up insurrection in the
State. So he resorted to actual warfare and struck at various points along
the Ceasefire Line (of 1949) on September 1, 1965. At Chamb-Jaurian, he made
a great display of the Patton tanks. However, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur
Shastri's decision to counter-strike at Lahore and the exemplary skill and
valour of our Armoured Brigade brought the Pakistani aggression in Kashmir
to an end. This was the second aggression. The first was in October 1947,
when Pakistan was able to occupy by force, fraud and bloodshed one-third of
the State's territory.
Vietnam-like conditions in Kashmir because he lent his full weightage to the
participation of the Kashmiri populace for stirring up insurrection in the
State. So he resorted to actual warfare and struck at various points along
the Ceasefire Line (of 1949) on September 1, 1965. At Chamb-Jaurian, he made
a great display of the Patton tanks. However, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur
Shastri's decision to counter-strike at Lahore and the exemplary skill and
valour of our Armoured Brigade brought the Pakistani aggression in Kashmir
to an end. This was the second aggression. The first was in October 1947,
when Pakistan was able to occupy by force, fraud and bloodshed one-third of
the State's territory.
The non-cooperation by the Kashmiris with Pakistani
infiltrators might have
been rankling in the mind of Gen. Zia-ul-Haq . Reacting to massive
demonstrations in Kashmir when ZulfiqarAli Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan, he
had remarked: "Kashmiri Muslims are Brahmins."
been rankling in the mind of Gen. Zia-ul-Haq . Reacting to massive
demonstrations in Kashmir when ZulfiqarAli Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan, he
had remarked: "Kashmiri Muslims are Brahmins."
Gen. Ayub Khan was displeased with the USA and fell
in the trap of Russian
good offices which culminated in the Indo-Pak summit at Tashkent where the
President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of India signed the Tashkent
Declaration. In fact, the Tashkent agreement appears to project the
Ceasefire Line (of 1949) as a permanent international border between India
and Pakistan.
good offices which culminated in the Indo-Pak summit at Tashkent where the
President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of India signed the Tashkent
Declaration. In fact, the Tashkent agreement appears to project the
Ceasefire Line (of 1949) as a permanent international border between India
and Pakistan.
The agreement, however, proved doom for him and he
was replaced by Gen.
Yahya Khan.
Yahya Khan.
Sheikh Starts Rethinking
Sheikh Abdullah appeared to have been disappointed
by the defeat of Pakistan
in the 1965 war and the signing of Tashkent Declaration. Probably, his
thoughts began working backwards. The political frame of his mind appeared
like a chameleon. So his reactions and utterances after 1966 lent one colour
to the Government of India and of another to the people of Kashmir.
in the 1965 war and the signing of Tashkent Declaration. Probably, his
thoughts began working backwards. The political frame of his mind appeared
like a chameleon. So his reactions and utterances after 1966 lent one colour
to the Government of India and of another to the people of Kashmir.
The UN Commission for India and Pakistan totally
failed in its avowed
obligation under Part II B of the Kashmir Resolution of August 13, 1948, to
notify the Government of India that Pakistan had not only withdrawn its
forces but also tribesmen and Pakistani nationals referred to in Part II A,
2 of the resolution. The UN rendered itself impotent because it failed in
its moral and legal responsibility to persuade Pakistan to vacate the
occupied territories. During the last 49 years, Pakistan rendered UN
resolutions completely defunct by the following acts:
obligation under Part II B of the Kashmir Resolution of August 13, 1948, to
notify the Government of India that Pakistan had not only withdrawn its
forces but also tribesmen and Pakistani nationals referred to in Part II A,
2 of the resolution. The UN rendered itself impotent because it failed in
its moral and legal responsibility to persuade Pakistan to vacate the
occupied territories. During the last 49 years, Pakistan rendered UN
resolutions completely defunct by the following acts:
(a) It surrendered nearly 6000 square miles of the
State's territory
to China for building Karakoram Road to facilitate the Chinese to rush
troops to the Indian borders as and when required.
to China for building Karakoram Road to facilitate the Chinese to rush
troops to the Indian borders as and when required.
(b) It seized the northern parts of Kashmir by
force after
decimating the forces of Maharaja Hari Singh and allowed the Americans to
build the most advanced radar complex in Gilgit . This part of Kashmir has
borders with Afghanistan, Russia and China.
decimating the forces of Maharaja Hari Singh and allowed the Americans to
build the most advanced radar complex in Gilgit . This part of Kashmir has
borders with Afghanistan, Russia and China.
(c) It increased its military strength in the
occupied territories
by leaps and bounds in violation of Part I, B of the Resolution of August
13, 1948.
by leaps and bounds in violation of Part I, B of the Resolution of August
13, 1948.
(d) It violated Part I, E of the UN Resolution by
continuously
indulging in vicious propaganda against India.
indulging in vicious propaganda against India.
(e) It failed to derecognize the so-called Azad
Kashmir Government.
The voting rights for a plebiscite vested in the
population which existed in
and around 1948. During the last 49 years, lakhs of people who had the right
to vote in 1948 have died and more than 25 lakh people who nurtured the
fundamentalist ideology have been added to the population. It is, therefore
against law and natural justice to talk of plebiscite after 49 years.
and around 1948. During the last 49 years, lakhs of people who had the right
to vote in 1948 have died and more than 25 lakh people who nurtured the
fundamentalist ideology have been added to the population. It is, therefore
against law and natural justice to talk of plebiscite after 49 years.
Pakistan itself rendered the UN Resolutions
defunct by launching a
full-scale attack on Jammu and Kashmir in 1965 and then signing the Tashkent
agreement.
full-scale attack on Jammu and Kashmir in 1965 and then signing the Tashkent
agreement.
Mr Gunar Jarring of the UN Commission after
visiting India and Pakistan in
the late fifties reported that the UN Resolutions of 1948 and 1949 had been
rendered irrelevant because of the changed logistical and strategical
dispositions in the area.
the late fifties reported that the UN Resolutions of 1948 and 1949 had been
rendered irrelevant because of the changed logistical and strategical
dispositions in the area.
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