Pakistan’s Role in Kashmir Conflict: In a groundbreaking revelation, Major General (retd) Akbar Khan‘s newly published book, Raiders in Kashmir, provides a detailed account of Pakistan’s involvement in the 1947 conflict over Kashmir. The book, released decades after the pivotal Operation Gulmarg, unveils previously undisclosed aspects of Pakistan’s strategic planning and execution during the early stages of the conflict.
Raiders in Kashmir: Pakistan’s Role in Kashmir Conflict
The book(Raiders in Kashmir) details a dramatic episode from October 26, 1947, when Pakistani forces captured Baramula, leaving only 3,000 survivors out of a population of 14,000.
At that time, Pakistani troops were just 35 miles from Srinagar, prompting Maharaja Hari Singh to seek assistance from Delhi, formally requesting help.
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Khan’s account reveals that they meticulously crafted the plans for the invasion in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
According to the book, Khan’s Raiders in Kashmir provides a new view of Pakistan’s military and political actions. The book focuses on a key period in the Kashmir conflict. It offers fresh insights into the region’s complex history.
His plan, titled “Armed Revolt inside Kashmir,” aimed to strengthen the local Kashmiri resistance. It also sought to prevent the influx of Indian military support into the region.
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In the book, Khan describes a high-level conference held in Lahore with Pakistani Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan and other key officials. It including then Defence Secretary Colonel Iskander Mirza and Chaudhri Mohammad Ali, later to become Prime Minister.
During this meeting, Khan proposed the strategic objective of capturing Jammu to obstruct India’s supply lines to Kashmir. He suggested deploying tribesmen rather than regular troops for this operation.
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The Book digs in the Military Operations by Pakistan into Jammu & Kashmir
The book further details the military operations of October 1947. On October 22, Pakistani forces crossed the border and began attacking Muzaffarabad and Domel.
By October 24, Dogra troops had been forced to withdraw. And Pakistani forces continued their advance towards Srinagar, engaging in combat at Uri.
India intervened militarily on October 27, escalating the conflict.
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In the aftermath of these events, the Pakistani leadership convened another meeting in Lahore to assess the situation and formulate responses to India’s military actions. Khan, who had been appointed military adviser to the prime minister, was instrumental in coordinating supplies and support for the tribal forces.
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Khan’s Raiders in Kashmir offers a fresh perspective on Pakistan’s military strategies and political maneuvers. It covers a crucial period in the Kashmir conflict. The book provides new insights into the region’s complex history.
