The History and Conflict of Kashmir 2

Kashmir was a Princely State

India was partitioned into dominions of India and Pakistan from 15th August, 1947, as per Indian Independence Act, 1947 which was passed by British Parliament and assented by the British Monarch. The Act also stated all the native princely states became independent with sovereignty vesting in the ruling princes who were free to accede to any dominion. On 26th October, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession which was forwarded to the Government of India. In the covering letter Maharaja mentioned that Pakistan army had infiltrated at several points along the boundary, cut off supplies like food, salt and petrol to the State, blasted the Mohra Power house which supplied electricity to Srinagar. 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. The Instrument of Accession was accepted by the Government of India on October 27, 1947.

Brigadier Rajender Singh sacrificed his life to prevent Pakistani infiltrator

India achieved her Independence on 15th August, 1947, many princely States joined either to India or Pakistan according to the consent of the King. The Maharaja of Kashmir did not join immediately instead he thought it wise to take Abdulla, the leader of the Muslim community into confidence for the betterment of the people of the Kashmir forgetting the religious difference. He sent emissaries to Sheikh Abdulla while he was in jail. Sheikh Abdullah again showed himself as 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 Abdulla begged pardon of Maharaja Hari Singh. The first was in 1931. Maharaja again showed his magnanimity. Sheikh Abdulla was released immediately i.e.  29th of September, 1947. Maharaja ordered Brigadier Rajendra Singh to defend the State in the event of attack over Kashmir by the Pakistan army. In the 3rd week of October Pakistan Army attacked Kashmir crossing the borders of Jammu and Kashmir with 500,000 tribal. Along the borders nearly 20,000 Hindus and Sikhs were slaughtered. A large number of women were raped and tortured and more than 30,000 refugees conglomerated in Jammu Province. Brigadier sacrificed his life in fighting against the invader.