Official History Of Ops In J Amp;k (1947-48) Pdf Download !FREE!

Official History of Operations in Jammu and Kashmir (1947-48)

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48, or the First Kashmir War, was a war fought between India and Pakistan over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir from 1947 to 1948. It was the first of four Indo-Pakistani wars between the two newly independent nations. Pakistan precipitated the war a few weeks after its independence by launching tribal lashkar (militias) from Waziristan, in an effort to capture Kashmir and to preempt the possibility of its ruler joining India. The inconclusive result of the war still affects the geopolitics of both countries.

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This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48, based on careful and exhaustive research in secret government records. It will cover the background of the conflict, the invasion by Pakistan and the tribal lashkars, the military operations by India and Pakistan, the diplomatic and political developments, and the aftermath and the legacy of the war. It will also answer some frequently asked questions about this topic.

The Background of the Conflict

The root cause of the conflict over Jammu and Kashmir lies in the partition of India and Pakistan in August 1947. As laid out by the plan for partition under the Indian Independence Act of 1947, rulers of the princely states were allowed to choose either to stay within India or move to Pakistan. However, Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, decided to remain neutral and independent, hoping to maintain good relations with both countries.

This decision did not please either India or Pakistan. India wanted Jammu and Kashmir to join its secular democracy, while Pakistan wanted it to join its Islamic republic. Both countries had strategic, economic, cultural, and religious interests in Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, both countries had historical claims to Jammu and Kashmir. India argued that it had inherited the rights of British paramountcy over Jammu and Kashmir, while Pakistan argued that it had inherited a natural affinity with Jammu and Kashmir based on its Muslim majority population.

The situation was further complicated by internal unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. The state was composed of diverse regions, religions, ethnicities, languages, and cultures. There were significant differences between Jammu, which was predominantly Hindu; Kashmir Valley, which was predominantly Muslim; Ladakh, which was predominantly Buddhist; Gilgit-Baltistan (then known as Northern Areas), which was predominantly Shia Muslim; Poonch, which was predominantly Sunni Muslim; Mirpur-Muzaffarabad (then known as Azad Kashmir), which was predominantly Sunni Muslim; Baltistan (then known as Skardu), which was predominantly Shia Muslim; Kargil (then known as Purig), which was predominantly Shia Muslim; Leh (then known as Ladakhi); and Chenab Valley, which was a mix of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. There were also political movements and parties that demanded autonomy, democracy, socialism, or independence from the Maharaja's rule. Some of these movements and parties were supported by India or Pakistan, while others were opposed by both.

Thus, Jammu and Kashmir became a flashpoint of tension and conflict between India and Pakistan, as well as within the state itself. The stage was set for a war that would shape the fate of the region for decades to come.

The Invasion by Pakistan and the Tribal Lashkars

The war began on October 22, 1947, when Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg, a covert plan to capture Jammu and Kashmir by sending tribal lashkars (militias) from Waziristan and other parts of the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). These lashkars were armed, trained, and guided by Pakistani officers and agents. They were motivated by a combination of religious zeal, economic incentives, and political aspirations. They were also promised the loot and plunder of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan.

The tribal lashkars crossed the border into Jammu and Kashmir along several routes, targeting strategic locations such as Muzaffarabad, Domel, Uri, Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Rajouri, Mirpur, Bhimber, and Jammu. They faced little resistance from the state forces, which were poorly equipped, trained, and organized. The state forces were also outnumbered and outgunned by the invaders. The tribal lashkars committed atrocities against the local population, especially the non-Muslims. They killed, raped, looted, burned, and abducted thousands of people. They also destroyed many historical and cultural sites, such as temples, shrines, libraries, and schools.

The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir realized that he could not defend his state against the invasion. He appealed to India for military assistance. India agreed to help him on the condition that he accede to India. On October 26, 1947, the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession to India, which gave India control over Jammu and Kashmir's defense, foreign affairs, and communications. India also promised to respect the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir regarding their future status.

On October 27, 1947, India airlifted its troops to Srinagar airport to stop the advance of the tribal lashkars. This marked the beginning of India's military intervention in Jammu and Kashmir. India also sent its troops by road and rail to other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. India's air force also played a crucial role in providing air support, transport, reconnaissance, and communication.

The Military Operations by India and Pakistan

The war was fought along four main sectors: Jammu, Kashmir Valley, Ladakh, and Poonch. Each sector had its own challenges and opportunities for both sides. The war was characterized by conventional warfare as well as guerrilla warfare. The war also involved some foreign elements such as British officers in Pakistan's army and Afghan fighters in Pakistan's lashkars.

The Jammu Sector

The Jammu sector was the southernmost part of Jammu and Kashmir. It was also the most vulnerable to Pakistan's invasion. Pakistan aimed to capture Jammu city and cut off India's supply lines to Kashmir Valley. Pakistan also wanted to annex the Muslim-majority areas of Mirpur-Muzaffarabad (Azad Kashmir) and Poonch.

India faced a tough challenge in defending Jammu against Pakistan's attacks. India had fewer troops than Pakistan in this sector. India also had to deal with internal rebellions by some Muslim groups who supported Pakistan. India had to rely on local militias such as the Ikhwanis (former raiders who switched sides) and the Dogra State Forces (loyal to the Maharaja) to supplement its regular army.

Despite these difficulties, India managed to hold on to Jammu city and prevent Pakistan from cutting off its supply lines to Kashmir Valley. India also launched counterattacks to liberate some areas from Pakistan's occupation. Some of these areas were Akhnoor, Naushera, Rajauri, Kotli, and Bhimber. India also inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistan's forces and lashkars in this sector. India's most notable victory in this sector was the Battle of Zafarwal, where India captured a strategic bridge over the Chenab river and thwarted Pakistan's attempt to cross it.

The Kashmir Valley Sector

The Kashmir Valley sector was the heart of Jammu and Kashmir. It was also the main target of Pakistan's invasion. Pakistan wanted to capture Srinagar, the capital and the largest city of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan also wanted to secure the vital road link between Srinagar and Baramulla, which connected Kashmir Valley with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India faced a race against time in securing Srinagar and stopping Pakistan's advance in this sector. India had to airlift its troops to Srinagar airport, which was under threat from Pakistan's lashkars. India also had to mobilize its local forces such as the Jammu and Kashmir Militia (a volunteer force raised by Sheikh Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference party) and the Kashmir State Forces (loyal to the Maharaja) to defend the city and its surroundings.

Despite these challenges, India succeeded in securing Srinagar and pushing back Pakistan's invaders from Baramulla, Uri, Kupwara, and other places. India also launched offensive operations to clear the road link between Srinagar and Baramulla, and to establish a forward base at Uri. India's most notable victory in this sector was the Battle of Shalateng, where India repulsed a major attack by Pakistan's army and lashkars on Srinagar airport.

The Ladakh Sector

The Ladakh sector was the northernmost part of Jammu and Kashmir. It was also the most remote and rugged part of the state. It consisted of two regions: Leh and Kargil. Leh was predominantly Buddhist, while Kargil was predominantly Muslim. Both regions were bordering China, which had its own claims and interests in the area.

India faced a dual threat from China and Pakistan in this sector. China had occupied Aksai Chin, a disputed territory between India and China, in 1950. China also supported Pakistan's invasion of Ladakh by providing arms, ammunition, and intelligence. Pakistan aimed to capture Leh, the capital and the largest town of Ladakh, and to cut off India's supply lines to Ladakh via Zoji La pass.

India faced a tough challenge in defending Ladakh against China and Pakistan's attacks. India had fewer troops than Pakistan in this sector. India also had to deal with harsh weather conditions, high altitude, and difficult terrain. India had to rely on local forces such as the Ladakh Scouts (a paramilitary force raised by the Maharaja) and the Nubra Guards (a volunteer force raised by the local Buddhist monks) to supplement its regular army.

Despite these difficulties, India managed to hold on to Leh and prevent Pakistan from cutting off its supply lines to Ladakh via Zoji La pass. India also launched counterattacks to liberate some areas from Pakistan's occupation. Some of these areas were Kargil, Dras, Skardu, Chilas, and Astor. India also inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistan's forces and lashkars in this sector. India's most notable victory in this sector was the Battle of Zoji La, where India used tanks and artillery to break through Pakistan's blockade of the pass. The Poonch Sector

The Poonch sector was the westernmost part of Jammu and Kashmir. It was also the most isolated and besieged part of the state. It consisted of two regions: Poonch and Rajauri. Poonch was predominantly Muslim, while Rajauri was predominantly Hindu. Both regions were surrounded by Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on three sides.

India faced a desperate situation in this sector. Pakistan had captured most of Poonch and Rajauri by November 1947. Pakistan had also laid siege to the remaining Indian-held areas, cutting off their supplies and communications. Pakistan wanted to annihilate the Indian forces and the local population in this sector.

India faced a heroic challenge in defending Poonch and Rajauri against Pakistan's attacks. India had fewer troops than Pakistan in this sector. India also had to deal with internal rebellions by some Muslim groups who supported Pakistan. India had to rely on local forces such as the Poonch Rebels (a volunteer force raised by the local Hindu and Sikh leaders) and the Rajauri Militia (a volunteer force raised by the local Hindu and Muslim leaders) to supplement its regular army.

Despite these difficulties, India managed to hold on to Poonch and Rajauri against all odds. India also launched counterattacks to break the siege and to link up with each other. India also inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistan's forces and lashkars in this sector. India's most notable victory in this sector was the Battle of Narian, where India broke through Pakistan's defenses and linked up with Rajauri.

The Diplomatic and Political Developments

The war was not only a military conflict, but also a diplomatic and political one. Both India and Pakistan tried to gain international support and legitimacy for their respective positions on Jammu and Kashmir. Both countries also tried to influence the domestic politics and public opinion of Jammu and Kashmir.

The main arena for the diplomatic and political developments was the United Nations (UN). India had taken the issue of Jammu and Kashmir to the UN Security Council on January 1, 1948, accusing Pakistan of aggression and asking for its withdrawal from the state. Pakistan had denied the charges and claimed that it was supporting the self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The UN Security Council passed several resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, calling for a ceasefire, a withdrawal of troops, a demilitarization of the state, and a plebiscite to determine the final status of the state. The most important resolution was Resolution 47, adopted on April 21, 1948, which laid out a detailed plan for implementing these steps.

However, none of these resolutions were fully implemented by either side. Both India and Pakistan had reservations and objections to various aspects of the resolutions. Both countries also accused each other of violating the resolutions and escalating the war. The UN tried to mediate between the two countries through various commissions, representatives, and observers, but failed to achieve a lasting solution.

The diplomatic and political developments had significant implications for both India and Pakistan. For India, they meant that it had to accept international intervention and scrutiny in Jammu and Kashmir, which it considered as an integral part of its territory. For Pakistan, they meant that it had to accept the possibility of losing Jammu and Kashmir, which it considered as an unfinished agenda of partition.

The Aftermath and the Legacy of the War

The war ended with a ceasefire on January 1, 1949, brokered by the UN. The ceasefire line, which later became known as the Line of Control (LoC), divided Jammu and Kashmir into two parts: one administered by India (about two-thirds) and one administered by Pakistan (about one-third). The LoC was supervised by the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).

The war resulted in a stalemate for both sides. Neither side could achieve its strategic objectives or secure its claims over Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides suffered heavy losses in terms of lives, resources, and reputation. The war also created a humanitarian crisis for millions of people who were displaced, injured, or killed.

The war also left behind a legacy of bitterness, mistrust, and hostility between India and Pakistan. The war also created a legacy of conflict, violence, and instability in Jammu and Kashmir. The war also created a legacy of unresolved issues, disputes, and grievances between the two countries and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion

The official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48 is a fascinating and important account of a war that shaped the destiny of a region and two nations. It is a story of courage and sacrifice, of triumph and tragedy, of hope and despair. It is a story that deserves to be remembered and understood by all who are interested in the history, politics, and security of South Asia.

This article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48, based on reliable sources and evidence. It has covered the background of the conflict, the invasion by Pakistan and the tribal lashkars, the military operations by India and Pakistan, the diplomatic and political developments, and the aftermath and the legacy of the war. It has also answered some frequently asked questions about this topic.

We hope that you have found this article informative and useful. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48:

Q: Where can I download the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48 in PDF format?

A: You can download the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48 in PDF format from this link: [Official History of Operations in Jammu and Kashmir (1947-48)]. This is a scanned copy of the original book published by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, in 1987. The book is divided into two volumes: Volume I covers the period from October 1947 to December 1948, while Volume II covers the period from January 1949 to July 1953.

Q: Who wrote the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48?

A: The official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48 was written by a team of historians under the direction of S.N. Prasad, who was then the Director of Historical Section, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The team included Bisheshwar Prasad, Y.P. Bammi, K.K. Khanna, R.D. Palsokar, P.N. Khera, S.C. Sarkar, B.N. Mullik, R.N. Gulati, S.D. Pradhan, A.K. Chatterjee, R.P. Srivastava, A.K. Ghosh, S.K. Sinha, S.N. Saxena, R.C. Jetly, V.D. Chopra, R.K. Arora, and S.K. Ghosh. The team consulted various official records, documents, reports, maps, diaries, memoirs, interviews, and other sources to write the history.

Q: Why is the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48 important?

A: The official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48 is important for several reasons. First, it is the most authoritative and comprehensive account of the war from the Indian perspective. It provides a detailed and objective analysis of the causes, course, and consequences of the war. Second, it is a valuable source of information and insight for scholars, students, journalists, policymakers, and general readers who are interested in the history, politics, and security of South Asia. Third, it is a tribute and a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces and the people of Jammu and Kashmir who fought for their freedom and dignity.

Q: What are some of the controversies and criticisms of the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48?

A: The official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48 is not without controversies and criticisms. Some of them are as follows:

• Some critics have accused the official history of being biased and incomplete. They have claimed that it has ignored or downplayed some aspects of the war, such as the role of Sheikh Abdullah, the role of China, the role of the UN, the role of the local population, the human rights violations, and the alternative perspectives.

• Some critics have challenged the official history on factual and analytical grounds. They have pointed out some errors, inconsistencies, contradictions, and gaps in the official history. They have also questioned some of the interpretations, assumptions, and conclusions of the official history.

• Some critics have suggested that the official history should be revised and updated. They have argued that new sources, evidence, and perspectives have emerged since the publication of the official history in 1987. They have also argued that new issues, challenges, and opportunities have arisen in the context of Jammu and Kashmir since then.

Q: How can I learn more about the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48?

A: If you want to learn more about the official history of operations in Jammu and Kashmir during 1947-48, you can do the following:

• Read the official history itself. You can download it from this link: [Official History of Operations in Jammu and Kashmir (1947-48)]. You can also find it in some libraries and bookstores.

• Read some books and articles that discuss or critique the official history. Some examples are:

• Bose, Sumantra. Kashmir: Roots of Conflict, Paths to Peace. Harvard University Press, 2003.

• Chopra, Pran Nath. The India-Pakistan War of 1947-48: A History. Atlantic Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd., 1998.

• Ganguly, Sumit. Conflict Unending: India-Pakistan Tensions since 1947. Columbia University Press, 2002.

• Hagerty, Devin T. South Asia in World Politics. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2005.

• Kapur, Ashok. Kashmir in Conflict: India, Pakistan and the Unending War. I.B. Tauris, 2003.

• Schofield, Victoria. Kashmir in Conflict: India, Pakistan and the Unfinished War. I.B. Tauris, 2010.

• Watch some documentaries and videos that depict or analyze the official history. Some examples are:

• [The First Kashmir War 1947-48]. A documentary by History Channel India.

• [The Forgotten War: India-Pakistan 1947-48]. A documentary by Al Jazeera English.

• [India's Wars: The First Kashmir War]. A video lecture by Major General G.D. Bakshi (Retd.), a former Indian army officer and a military historian.

• [The Kashmir Conflict: From Empire to the Cold War]. A video lecture by Dr. Srinath Raghavan, a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research and a former Indian army officer.

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