INDO PAK WAR 1947-48/FIRST KASHMIR WAR
The Indo Pak War 1947 or First Kashmir War was the first armed conflict fought between India and Pakistan. It started on 22 Oct 1947 and went on till 05 Jan 1949 (duration of 1 year 2 months and 2 weeks).
Background
When the Indian Army returned from World War II, the situation in India was totally different, the people of India were striving hard for independence. Several meeting and discussion were held between the Political leaders of India and the ruling British Govt. During the meetings plans were being prepared for the Independence ( for transfer of governance). However along with independence division of the subcontinent into two different countries based on communal lines was being planned.
The division happened on 15 Aug 1947 and India and Pakistan gained independence. Also Pakistan declared independence a day prior. The Partition led to nationwide division of all movable and non-movable assets including the assessts of the Armed Forces under the supervision of British Govt.
The people of subcontinent instead of rejoicing and celebrating Independence got involved in riots and mass killings. With every passing moment, the killing and the riots intensified. During this period there was colossal loss of human live and extensive destruction of property.
This was the last time the old undivided Indian Army was deployed (in the form Punjab Boundary Force comprising elements of both the Armies) to contain violence and it provided its service in averting the madness.
Consolidation of Princely States
Immediately upon gaining independence an exercise for consolidating the princely states and Indian Provinces into single nation was undertaken. The exercise went on smoothly initially with most of ruler of the states joined one of the two dominions (India and Pakistan) voluntary except for three states i.e. Junagadh (Gujarat), Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) and Jammu and Kashmir. Junagadh was indecisive, while Hyderabad and Jammu and Kashmir signed a ‘Standstill Agreement’ with India buying time for merging. Subsequent to deployment of Indian Army and Police forces Junagadh and Hyderabad merged with Indian Dominion.
In Oct 1947, before Jammu and Kashmir could decide upon the dominion to join, Pakistan Army along with armed Pakistani Frontier tribesmen invaded the state. They crossed over into Kashmir to precipitate an undeclared war.
Pakistan’s strategy was to crossover, attack and annexes the state before India could react, thereby gaining possession of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan had almost succeeded in its nefarious plan, with the Northern Territories overrun and elements of the main columns at Baramulla by 26 Oct 1947 and Srinagar within its reach.
The Jammu and Kashmir State Force which was then headed by Brigadier Rajendra Singh, Chief of Staff of the J&K State Force which comprised of four Brigades (Jammu Brigade, the Kashmir Brigade, the Mirpur Brigade and the Poonch Brigade). The J&K state force had no artillery or armour elements, and it had to look after 500 kms boarder.
Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir had delayed his decision with respect to alignment with dominion and by the time the maharaja signed the ‘Instrument of Accession’ and asked for military assistance from India, the Pakistan frontier tribes and Pakistan troops reached Badgaon.
Immediately upon signature of the ‘Instrument of Accession’ Indian Armed forces airlift troops off 1 Sikh to Srinagar. An ad hoc Brigade Gp was build up on the foot hold established by the initial battalion. Reinforcements were brought through Pathankot. After establishing initial foot hold, the marauders were driven back from their position through series of tactical attacks. Upon reaching Muzarafabad in May 1948 Indian Army forces faced Pakistani Army troops intermixed with Azad Kashmir battalions. Meanwhile Poonch was still held by Pakistani troops. It took another year for Indian Armed Forces to evict the Pakistani Forces from the Jammu and valley regions. Approx 80,000 troops were engaged during complete war. During the Indo Pak war of 1947 Indian Armed Forces witnessed many indl gallantry and collective bravery acts. Param Vir Chakra was awarded to Major Som Nath Sharma (first recipient).
Pakistan launched a fresh offensive in Feb 1948 after its troops were driven out from various positions in Jammu and Kashmir regions. However they were repelled by Jammu and Kashmir Militia battalion.
– Lt Col J Adinarayana
