A personal narrative
The British Factor and Asia in the Twentieth Century

Chapter VI

DJ is serialising extracts from the proposed book by Maj (Retd) RAJA MUHAMMAD SARWAR DHUDDY.

KASHMIR

a. Kohat Cantonment and Preparations for Service in Kashmir

We marched another 90 miles from BANNU to KOHAT, our new home for a short time. We had been told to prepare for service in mountains covered  with forests, this meant complete change in our equipment, tactics and administration. Now it was not facing the "rifle armed" tribesmen but we were likely to confront a regular modern army, equipped with latest weapons and heavily supported by artillery, armour and Air Force while we were to contend with only small arms and inferior strength. We were quick to transform. In April we moved in the vicinity of  RAWALPINDI and MURREE HILLS. We were volunteers and our Commander was Brigadier AKBAR KHAN, DSO, later Major General and Chief Of the General Staff Pakistan Army. He had earned DSO in Eastern Theater of war during World War II. Now, as incharge of Freedom Movement troops and volunteers in KASHMIR he was called General TARIQ. He had described his role in KASHMIR during 1947-1948 in his book "Raiders in Kashmir". He was later charged with conspiring to overthrow the legitimate civil government of the country and was dismissed.

The treacherous accession of state of JAMMU and KASHMIR to India at the wishes of its Hindu ruler, mostly encouraged by late Lord LOUIS MOUNTBATTEN, Viceroy in India, caused an uprising by its predominant (more than 86%) Muslim population.  The said state should have acceded to Pakistan in the correct spirit of Partition of India formula which had envisaged princely states to accede to either of the two dominions on the principles of religious majority and geographic contiguity.  All Hindu majority states had acceded to India. This most unfortunate State, having 86% majority Muslims and geographically and economically so attached to Pakistan as a head is to the body of a man, was given over to India on a platter by its fleeing ruler. The so-called champion of democracy (India) accepted it shamelessly and then moved its army into it.  The resisting civil population bravely recovered and retained some areas with the help of volunteers from neighboring Pakistan and its tribesmen.  Pakistan had many constraints including its own defence.  The infant state was organizing its various departments and other administrative and judicial organs in the face of influx of millions of refugees and was now to counter a great conspiracy to undo the newly emerged state. A look at the map of this area will show how a few districts of Punjab were wrongly given to India despite the fact of their being majority Muslim. This was done in order to provide a land link through KATUHA to JAMMU and KASHMIR that joined NWFP which was still to decide its future through a referendum, Kashmir’s accession to India was to seriously influence the outcome of that referendum.     The long border of NWFP, some tribal territory and then Balochistan were connected with four major princely states of KALAT, MAKRAN, LASBELA and KHARAN. The effort was to cripple the infant state of Pakistan right at its birth. Thanks to the wisdom of our leaders and patriotic Muslims that  the said conspiracy did not succeed. To the contrary the proud tribesmen proved their Islamic spirit and they fought for freedom of KASHMIR along with their other brethren.

b. Freedom Fighters against Regular Army

As the battalion was in the process of moving to the vicinity of Rawalpindi, I was posted as additional GSO-III in the Brigade HQs and was given an assignment of "Officer Courier" and was required to carry written operations plan for forces operating against POONCH town. In addition I was to deliver a high power Wireless Set for communication with higher HQs further back. I had a small party of  2 mules, for Wireless set and our luggage, one mule driver and two Wireless Operatiors.  We were to walk all the way from PANJAR, a point short distance ahead of KAHUTA, cross PALANADRI, TRARKHEL – HAJIRA and then reach GHAMBHIR near POONCH. This involved going over mountains as high as 7000-7500 feet and many times climbing up and down. I planned to cover approximately 20-22 miles daily and rested wherever there was safety of some soldier camp.  My mission was highly important and orders were very clear to ensure that I reached the destination safe in order to deliver my charge. In case of serious threat of being captured I was to destroy the operation orders’ documents and the secret wireless code besides making utmost efforts to avoid being captured. For the latter, my men were prepared to fight till last.

Beyond TRARKHEL, spending the following night at HAJIRA village, an important communications center, and central place in that sector, we moved off early in the morning on the last leg of our marching. This was close to enemy Forward Defended Localities and we had to be more cautious. We reached HQs of Major REKHMAN GUL, Military Cross, later Lieutenant General, Commander of a Corps and Governor of Sindh. He was Officiating Commanding Officer and his forward company had been attacked by the Indians during the night and his brave men had repulsed two major attacks by a battalion on a small ridge called "TETRINOTE". This hill commands the road to POONCH and its one shoulder rests on the right bank of POONCH River. Its other shoulder rises and extending to the left is called "SATWAL" and "CHHAJA" ridge. It was about sunrise when we reached there and found REKHMAN GUL all set to move forward to see his brave men. This company of Frontier Force Regiment was still in the initial stages of its diggings on TETRINOTE when an enemy battalion, probably a Gharwal Regiment taking advantage of darkness and making full use of its information services surprised the new arrivals who had been misinformed by the relieved force; that to their front and between them and POONCH town was a force of friendly volunteers. The brave men fought the attackers with picks and shovels where they could not pick up their rifles and beat off the first assault which had followed a grenade throw  at a group of men.  Then during the night enemy made many attempts but was beaten back with heavy casualties. Lieutenant LIAQAT and 8 of our soldiers were martyred. After reaching that famous hill feature we went around it.  The commander re-organized his defences including pushing forward outposts, listening posts and also fixing D.F.Tasks for his artillery battery and battalion mortars. How affectionately he patted and embraced his men and how the latter clung to him was a scene very rare and never to be forgotten. Now the process of digging restarted and there came the two Indian Fighter planes.  The planes strafed and made two sorties but remained very high and then disappeared without  causing any damage. This was morale at its best and while everyone was enjoying our men’s courage and soldiery spirit there was also an incident which added to the humour. The Company Commander was a very tall and hefty man, while Major REKHMAN GUL and the Artillery Battery Commander were of small stature and fitted well in the half dug trenches. But the said Major could not find a deep and wide enough trench to accommodate him. Thanks to his company’s courage which drove off the aeroplanes.

A couple of days after my return from POONCH we were at Brigade HQs near MURREE when the Commander, at breakfast table told me that my battalion was to move forward but the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel G.A.MCMUNN was not to accompany, he had been replaced with a Pakistani Officer. This revelation had a background.. When we were at Kohat and had been told about our future possible move to operational area the Colonel in his drunken mood at the club had said loudly that no one could expect him to fight against his favourite SIKHS. He was fond of SIKHS for some reasons. This utterance  by him was very demoralizing and it warranted due cognizance. General IQBAL (then a captain) and I discussed it for days between us but we could not arrive at a course of action. Reporting against our own Commanding Officer though not disloyalty, was certainly in bad taste. At that time we could not think of being bold to ask the C.O. to arrange an interview with the Brigade Commander so that we could report against him for his remarks at the club. Soon, we both went to LAHORE to attend Captain KHALID MEHMOOD BUTT’s marriage. There we had a fine opportunity to make a clean breast of it before Brigadier (later Lieutenant General) HAJI IFTIKHAR AHMED who was a cousin of KHALID. He laughed it out  in his peculiar manner for which he was well known and said that we need not worry since many things could happen.  When the Commander told me about it he also mentioned that Brigadier Iftikhar had told him so then, and that he was quite pleased with us both. For about a month we were busy in organizing and equipping volunteers, when in 3rd week of May the Indians started a large scale offensive against MUZAFFARABAD. The offensive was from two directions, a full Infantry Division supported by air and having some armour support advanced along the main SRINAGAR – MUZAFFARABAD (Jhelum Valley) road, on both sides of River JHELUM, on left bank of which the road passed. Another strong Brigade Group comprising about five battalions advanced against TITHWAL Town, about 30 miles up KISHANGANGA or NEELUM River which joined JHELUM River at  MUZAFFARABAD.  Big propaganda and rumours were spread by the Indians so as to demoralize the freedom fighters but the latter regained their co-ordination and blunted the Indian offensive after its initial success. On the commencement of the Indian offensive, Brigadier AKBAR KHAN held a conference, rather a briefing at MURREE in which he gave  an appreciation, highlighting his opponents possible objectives. He also gave outline of his own plan to deal with the threat. This briefing was attended by late FAIZ AHMED FAIZ, Editor Pakistan Times, late Mr. LATIF AFGHANI, one of the pretenders to Afghan throne who lived in RAWALPINDI as an exile. He was a Marxist and took pleasure if some one called him Carl Marx of Pakistan. AKBAR KHAN had engaged him for mustering civil manpower support and provided him with a Staff Officer from Pakistan Army and also other facilities.

AKBAR KHAN had appreciated that Indian General would go for highest hill tops and he pointed out the mountain tops spread outwards from the River JHELUM valley or gorge where the enemy will be checked. As the operations progressed, we saw that AKBAR KHAN’s assessments were true to the last detail and the enemy offensive was halted after some gains to him.  Later AKBAR KHAN mounted a counter offensive and with much inferior force he re-occupied the famous feature or PANDU. Indians put their heads down in shame whenever that operation is discussed.

To counter the Indian offensive, mentioned earlier, he took many initiatives and moved restlessly to re-organize volunteers who had been badly affected by the Indian propaganda and possibly due to lack of organized training, weapon and equipment etc. While moving forward himself with a Tactical HQs, he assigned me a task of defending an important bridge in the rear of our main defenses on the URI road. This bridge was the life line for PANDU – SING and KATHAI area on the right bank of the River JHELUM. For this I had been given 22 men of Additional Police from BANNU. There were others, besides men who were pushed up, with different tasks. General Tariq (Brigadier AKBAR KHAN) was making tremendous effort to stop Indian offensive and he was mobilizing everything.  As the dark approached there was rush of vehicles, foot columns all enthusiastically moving forward. I found very funny situation. The enemy propaganda had worked and the defensive front collapsed with irregulars and tribesmen  falling back creating complete chaos. Since tribesmen had certain demands and efforts were being made to bring them to some order, my men who belonged to the same class of people, speaking same language, refused to move forward unless the others did so. Extremely difficult situation and as I had pointed my pistol at the Assistant Sub Inspector and had threatened him if he did not obey my orders, at this very moment a jeep came and halted by my side. It was the great Commander Brigadier AKBAR KHAN who asked me to leave the men and jump into his jeep. He continued negotiating with tribal leaders and soon succeeded in his efforts – it was a scene seeing that man courageously dealing with tribal leaders – he brook no nonsense from any one and did not even once use a word of appeasement. He was an authoritative commander throughout. I was then given another task that of receiving the transport which was to bring Baluch Regiment troops with my old colleague Kayani. The transport was to make 180 degrees turn and face towards the rear areas. It had been decided that while 50% of the tribesmen would move back to the front line and face the infidel, the rest of them would be transported back to rear areas for rest. How jubilant we were, Kayani and I to have met under the circumstances that was obvious.  Early in the morning the enemy aeroplanes arrived and our movements were restricted to minimum. The commander observed a vehicle on the open road about 300 yards away some minutes before the appearance of aircraft and he instructed me to get the vehicle under cover. I ran at full speed but before I could reach, the enemy aircraft had found an easy sitting duck as target (the vehicle) and one rocket had put it to fire – the men having bailed out remained safe. This incident has a reference in AKBAR KHAN’s book "RAIDERS IN KASHMIR" where he says that he sent a "Staff Officer" for the task. Our Force HQ was located in an open valley which extended to the left bank of the River JHELUM. We had occupied a few local houses made available through the local Tehsildar. Since freedom fighters had no air force, the Indian air force had 100% mastery and they conducted their air activity with ease. In addition to that they had employed spies and informers to help and direct their aircraft. In many cases Indian aircraft pinpointed various important targets soon after their establishment. The Brigade Commander deduced that enemy had his spies operating in and near our HQ. So he made a few decisions and laid a trap to catch the spy. The HQ was shifted to an area which was heavily eroded and which provided good natural ground cover for vehicles and men. The move was completed overnight and a few task force vigilance parties headed by some of us, Officers, were detailed to be ready  to seal off some suspected vital points. Next morning the two aircraft came in their usual manner and having passed straight over the previous HQ location they returned with their backs to the rising sun and they strafed our newly located HQ. On the word from the Commander our task force parties moved into action and soon one of us saw reflection of a mirror from behind a bush on top of a hill and a SIKH who had reduced his beard to a shape like local Muslims was caught. The  mirror was also recovered from the bush and the man sent for interrogation.

His interrogation was a difficult job since he was a well trained spy whose family resided in the Indian occupied territory. It rained heavily and during the night, the man escaped from custody of guard. He was kept in a thatched hut and our men became casual or negligent and the man broke his rope shackles and was free in the area which he knew well.  Our forward posts were alerted and traps laid and he was re-captured. Though an effort was made by our agencies to break enemy spy net we found it very difficult because India and Pakistan were one country with population so much mixed up that it was similar situation on both sides.

The Commander had mobilized our civil effort in support of Freedom Fighters and a few personalities or organizations which visited the fighters at the battle line can never be forgotten. The only political figure that ever  visited the front was MR. MAHMOOD HAROON who had been ADC to the QUAID-e-AZAM MUHAMMAD ALI   JINNAH (later Pakistan’s Federal Minister and Governor of SINDH). Whereas he brought comfort goods for distribution, he also went round the FDLs  to see the Freedom Fighters. Among tribal volunteers was one tall and handsome GAEDEEN KHAN ABDUL LAI, a Mahsood, who had served British Indian Army as an officer. He played  a wonderful role as leader of his men and was a marksman at his "Lugar" pistol. We became good friends for the rest of our lives. Another comforts and encouragement group was despatched by the Muslim League from Lahore under a kind patron who, besides sending his men, also continued to send comfort goods. He was a good friend of AKBAR KHAN. What we felt, at that time, was lacking, was the national support to provide our AZAD KASHMIR troops the necessary clothing and equipment. These men had volunteered for hurriedly raised units for freedom struggle and they virtually braved the snows, the mountains and the rains without adequate clothing.

While we worked day and night, yet in the HQs we could find opportunities for recreation. As I have mentioned in earlier chapter, I have fondness for monkeys and here was a chance when a friend offered me a female monkey. She was no doubt very intelligent and soon we developed affectionate relationship. I groomed her, fed her and exercised her myself and in my absence batman did the job. A system of inter-communication also developed and we knew when either of us was pleased or displeased. She would give a fine "smile" with her mouth wide open when she was pleased or when she wanted to please me and on the other hand she would keep quiet, turn her head away from me when displeased. She would understand my admonishing actions and generally she would run away to keep safe distance in case I showed my palm of hand in a manner of giving her a slap. Generally she was kept tied to my bed but when going out she would be free and at times she would ride my shoulder, especially whenever she sensed some danger. She would play small and innocent mischief such as stealing my colleague’s pens, goggles or even sticks. Soon she became darling of all.

Living in those village huts and having to entertain a lot of guests we used to maintain domestic poultry and the chicks roamed about free everywhere including in our living rooms. One day my colleague and I were resting and since we had no other engagement we decided to play cards. This was not appreciated by her (Shamim) and she tried to draw my attention towards her through various actions. Once she attempted to snatch some cards but as she was tied, she could not reach the cards. My colleague remarked that she was feeling neglected and was jealous. At the same time she tried to get hold of a hen which approached close to her while picking up some insect or food particle. That forced us to have a break and give her some attention.  I gave her a biscuit which she refused but when I patted her and showed affection, she accepted it. Now she started showing us tricks. She broke the biscuit, ate more than half of it and spread remaining pieces on the floor. Soon a hen moved forward to pick up the bait. Shamim pounced at it but was unlucky as the hen was out of its reach. Then she started showing friendly gesture to the hen and stretching her rope to maximum she extended her arms so as to assure the hen that  she would be safe even if she moved a bit forward. By cultivating such confidence in the hen she made the master attempt.  She turned her face backwards and with a sudden quick movement she caught the hen with her hind leg paw.  Now she had her own body length including extended leg. We were amazed.

c. Tithwal Sector

The enemy had developed serious threat from North to MUZAFFARABAD and  another force Headquarters had been created for TITHWAL. My battalion was to concentrate there and very rightly the Commanding Officer asked for his officers who were taken away for other assignments. I was posted to the battalion and on way to TITHWAL, Captain IQBAL (later General) joined me at MUZAFFARABAD. We two started off on foot just before dusk, while our baggage was to be brought by our batmen later, through Animal Transport. The dirt track was only fit for mule and a few small hanging bridges, over the river, swung loosely as you walked over them and to a new person’s good discomfort. The track rose gradually and was mostly confined to river bank. We were to cover about 23 miles distance. We knew roughly that there were a few camps en route for logistics, therefore, we decided to continue marching with a view to having halts only when reached a camp. We may have missed some on the way because of continuous rain and darkness and when thoroughly tired after covering about 12-14 miles, decided to take rest. It was raining proverbially cats and dogs. Fully drenched with our boots full of mud and socks having collected in front of  toes. We suffered blisters, but then like any Infantry soldier we were very fit physically. The place where we decided to halt was somewhat open with less trees and more bush. Primarily wild pomegranate and varieties which produce small berries and cherries type fruit for monkeys and other wildlife. We decided to get under an umbrella shaped high bush but its trunk was covered with its off shoots and other undergrowth. We spread one waterproof Mackintosh over the branches to save against the rainwater from underneath and covered ourselves with the other. But soon we realized that we were under attack by big red ants – we had trespassed and had chosen to lodge ourselves on their township. They bit our bodies especially necks. Hence we decided to sit in open and enjoy smoking.

With an Indian Brigade Group entrenched in important town of TITHWAL, along NEELUM River, we were fighting for control of the river’s two shoulder features South of the town. On one bank was the high and important feature of .9444 (CHUNJ) and .7229 and on the other bank was the well-publicised PIR SAHABA feature with its high peak of .7802.

This feature (PIR SAHABA) was on direct approach to MUZAFFARABAD and commanded a good area between the river and a much higher mountain (KAFIR KHANN) over 10000 feet high.

Our forces had, earlier attacked from CHUNJ and captured  .7229 feature with Indians routed up to TITHWAL. This necessitated their withdrawal from PIR SAHABA feature which they thought would be untenable because of our being well behind it from across the river. Major ASLAM AZIZ SHAIKH (later Lieutenant Colonel) had taken part in the operation against feature .7229 with  commendable performance and was naturally considered senior, mature and well experienced officer. Our battalion was to occupy PIR SAHABA and fight for it if needed. The battalion had no difficulty in occupying PIR SAHABA and during that advance we captured a SIKH prisoner.  After a couple of days later, Iqi (General  IQBAL) and I were at the foot hills by early morning and were asked to take a short rest and then climb up the feature which rose for about 3000 feet and it was quite tough job climbing it, but we did it by the afternoon.  For me the real Infantry soldiering was to recommence. This, PIR SAHABA feature, had another higher and important feature to its front and left. Also its own peak .7802 extended forward for about 1500 yards to join another very important height of .7895 and after a pass that feature extended to a flank joining higher feature of the KAFAR KHANN. This .7895 feature was better known as a part of the pass called Richmargali. This feature had been retained by Indians while withdrawing and now it was considered to be most difficult to be attacked from  our side because of its geographical and physical position.

Our small offensive actions as well as aggressive patrolling, to dominate no-man’s land forced Indians to dig down. The position was stabilized and Indian threat to the most important of all Azad Kashmir Towns (Muzaffarabad) was checked. Indians were convinced that from then onwards they will have to pay heavy cost and were to fight for every inch of land. Our troops on main URI front mounted a bold and planned attack under Brigadier AKBAR KHAN on PANDU feature. Some mention has been made earlier. Our dear, ever smiling and handsome friend  Captain  KHALID MEHMOOD BUTT, took part in that operation and led a force of tribesmen. He was to attack and capture a long high spur jutting out of main PANDU feature towards our positions. He captured the first height and was moving forward to chalk out a plan for assaulting the second one, while rushing forward through an open patch he received a full burst of 5 bullets in his stomach from a well-sited and hidden machine gun.  The attack was most successful and KHALID was carried manually to medical First Aid post which was so far in the rear that before reaching, after 5 hours of being wounded, he breathed his last.  What a pity, we lost so precious a life and many more due to inadequate medical support.  May Allah bless that martyr’s soul whose memories have always remained with us.

d. Soldiers Versus Soldiers

The feature .7802 was an important one and its dominating position has been recognized, throughout. It being central to enemy’s RICHAMAR GALI positions was most active sector and a lot of activity took place concerning it.  Indians always targeted it with their air, artillery and mortar firing. There was not a day when Indian aircraft did not come to TITHWAL sector and it did not throw some of its load on to this position.  Our detachment of 3" mortars, located excellently deflated behind its crest was always effective against the enemy. We also had dug safe position for mortar detachment’s safety closeby and we could always bring these into action within a minute. In addition a pair of our MMGs well sited on this position would cause effective firing against enemy line of communications. In spite of their best efforts to blast out the two annoying elements they could not succeed. In fact this position became their "Achilles Heel". Once they sent two aircraft with sole purpose of bombing out these positions, the aircraft fired many rockets.  One of the rockets after hitting a tree fell into an unoccupied trench and it did not explode. The information reaching the Battalion HQs, we were told to keep the rocket secured so that our Commanding Officer and others at the HQs could see how an aircraft rocket (about 4 feet long) looked like before an Engineer’s representative could defuse it. The FDL troops were instructed to adopt safety measures and wait for the arrival for inspection team. On arrival at the site we found NO traces of the said rocket.  The JCO concerned firmly repeated that he had placed a cloth marker on the trench and he had himself actually seen the rocket.  Then where did it go? The mystery was solved when we saw a youthful looking Orakzai Lance Naik walking in from enemy side of the FDLs. We all looked towards him when he halted and saluted smartly and with broad smile on his face said, in his typical vernacular "PAINKA HAI".  He confessed that he had calmly got into trench, lifted the heavy rocket, carried it on his shoulders and then dumped it across the divide line between the FDLs. There was no limit to every ones amazement. Call him whatever you wish to, or else admire his innocence and boldness. What he meant by this action was that let the rocket burst in the enemy’s area.

On another occasion our Commanding Officer went to liaise with the neighboring unit to our right. For that he had to climb down our own hill feature and then climb up even greater height for the other battalion HQs. One female dog had, earlier, switched her loyalties and deserted Indian side and became fond of living with us. On this occasion she accompanied our Commanding Officer  but on return journey she did not approve of long and arduous job of coming back with him. Instead she walked over the high crest linking the two features regardless of who controlled it militarily. When passing through RICHMAR GALI, she was neck-laced with a letter which she brought. The letter was from Havildar GURDIAL SINGH of Guides Mortar platoon, before partition of India, he and Naik GHULAM MUHAMMAD (later Honorary Captain) were friends because of being active players of the Battalion Hockey Team. The spirit of the letter was that while they knew of our being  there opposing them we were not aware of our own SIKHS being part of the unit on the opposite side. The letter was full of affections and he claimed that he deliberately did not carry out aimed fire at our positions but to the contrary he was complaining of our Mortars which never gave them any respite. He pleaded for reciprocal behaviour! I am not sure if our men co-operated with him in that matter. However, I also felt for GURDIAL SINGH  since he had served under me in the mortar platoon in WAZIRISTAN (tribal territory), and also played Hockey together. Some days later the Indians sent a full flight of fighter aircraft for action against  .7802. We had adopted a routine to withdraw to the reverse slope of the hilltop during daytime, leaving outposts and FDL troops in their trenches. The Indian aircraft bombed the position heavily and four bombs that blasted the position were two each at mortar and MMG positions.  These were 1000 pounds bombs which created large craters but luckily we remained safe including the weapons.  There were no casualties as a result of this bombing. Our MMGs did claim hitting one of the fighters.

Once, after change over of defensive positions when my company had been relieved at .7802 and was holding central position at a somewhat lower ridge an incident took place which is quite amusing as well, it carries some lessons. It was a dark night and when you are under thick forest trees it is real dark and it is difficult to see palm of your own stretched hand. Early part of the night was spent visiting  troops in their battle trenches to raise their morale and also to improve on the defences.  At about 2300 hours, my senior JCO and the Company Havildar Major took leave to retire. I extinguished the wick lamp created out of an emptied tin of milk and was dozing when suddenly MMGs located  right in front of my bunker started firing never ending long bursts.  They did so on hearing of a grenade burst in front of them in the area where we had deployed half-trained Swatis to cover a stretch of slope. Soon the whole of the front was ablaze. Funny thing was that there was no pre attack shelling by the enemy, then the middle of   the darkest of all nights was certainly not helpful to them either for attack. In addition there was comparative lull and there were no signs suggesting that the enemy would embark on offensive. At that level, down below, hardly ever anyone bothers about such reasoning, he must react and react quickly, act out of instinct and after all what is "Fixed Line" fire arrangements for.  The automatics are cited to cover an obvious approach and should fire at the same line even if nothing is visible. So the soldier must obey that rule of thumb. With difficulty we controlled the fire and through telephone the platoon commander incharge of Swatis confirmed that a Swati soldier had lobbed a grenade in the maize corn field to his front suspecting some movement.  So the night was spent with great vigilance and early morning enquiry made on the spot.  A jackal looking for some tossed out food moved the green crop and the very alert sentry immediately shouted "Halt – Password".  Getting no answer and instead sensing more movement of crop threw the grenade.  The false alarm earned us a humiliating message from "friends" across the FDLs. They sarcastically congratulated us for taking a great toll of them. This type of instances are not restricted to one side and soon we had the Indians going through an exercise of opening up with everything they had for defence of their feature which was called "BAKER" (Biari).  This time it was not a jackal but a monkey.  Indians were fond of laying mines everywhere, they had entire saved surplus stock produced for British 14th Army of the East. They even held back our share which we should have received as a result of Partition. So while they laid the minefield they were not mindful that some monkeys, somewhere on the top of tall trees were watching them when they attached booby traps which worked with a device of thin  string extended and tied to some other bush away at distance. Now the inquisitive monkey must play "Tricks" so he pulled at a string causing the mine burst.  Next morning our soldiers repaid them (Indians) with similar messages with full satisfaction.

If we recollect, one Lance Naik had picked  up the blinded aircraft rocket.  That soldier’s another action has never been forgotten. One day our Commanding Officer decided to establish a platoon position at a place where we had only a daytime standing patrol. Between the two high features of  .7802 (ours) and .7895 (enemy’s) there was a sort of spinal ridge with both sides having cliffy walls. This ridge connected the two high points and the distance was about 1500 yards. Both sides adopted a procedure of sending standing patrols, about halfway down.  Now when we were showing activity the enemy opened up with artillery defensive fire causing some casualties on our side. One section from the platoon to be deployed was moved forward to drive away the Indian standing patrol and it was to take up positions in their place to give covering support to the rest of the men who were to dig down and prepare their bunkers. The enemy reacted by sending a platoon strength force to chase this section of ours. We heard exchange of  fire and lot of shouting and then it was all quiet.  We waited for some time and there was no return sign of our men.  Worried I took a couple of men with me and moved forward when after a short distance I saw my men returning and in good jovial mood.  The Orakzai Lance Naik, the section commander, after saluting reported some thing like "Cheh Uus Ko Patta Ni Hai Keh Humm Eedar Baitha Hai?" (Does he not know that we are sitting here?). What had happened was that on seeing the enemy trying to assault him, he just did not wait and raising the "war cry" ordered his section to fix bayonets and charged. The enemy was surprised and ran back, duly chased to his bunker line. Courage and offensive action wins you success. With luck we had no casualties during this daring action of our men. How could there be matching soldiers in the world.

Sikhs are well known for their good humour and also for being open hearted. One day one of them when on standing patrol duty felt home sick, he shouted from behind a bush asking our man on duty, on this side, if he was a Punjabi (belonging to Punjab). On affirmative reply he requested our man to sing for him the local song "MAHIYA".  Our soldier,  not responding to the humorous and friendly gesture of his opponent, must have been in a bad mood,  fired a shot at him.  He (the Sikh), who was probably wounded, abused our man and was evacuated from the post by his colleagues.  War is after all war and not every one feels relaxed.  On another occasion well known and a great soldier Lieutenant Colonel (later Brigadier) NAUSHERWAN KHAN who was commanding a battalion and was operating to our right flank made plan of attack on right shoulder of RICHAMAR GALI with a view to capturing that vital ground.  His own FDLs were far back and he decided to move forward so that on the day of attack his troops would be exposed for minimum time against enemy shelling and defensive fire.  While carrying out recce for this purpose he went close to enemy FDLs and was spotted by a Sikh soldier on duty.  The soldier did not fire and shouted at the Colonel asking him in his "Punjabi" dialect as to what he was looking for (Ethey Ki Lorrdey O)? The Colonel replied that he was on "Jehad" and was fighting for his country and he would be rewarded with a place in Paradise in next life.  The Sikh shouted back "Paradise is NOT behind his back " (Jannat Assadey Pichhey Tey Nihn) – he used some distasteful word. The colonel appreciating the good humour of the Sepoy did not move forward for quite some time. 

Bound within limits of own defences, our thinking and physical activities were almost a tamed affair. The battle situation or more correctly the conditions dominated our thoughts. It was more usually the appreciation of "what next" from either side, the enemy and our own self.  Detailed consideration of the ground factor, assessment of enemy deployment, his defence work including  minefields, defensive fire tasks and measures to deal with his preponderance everywhere and in every thing occupied central place in all our thinking.  So much so that our dreams were also dominated by these thoughts. In between the lull periods we were more active in patrolling, either to dominate "No man’s land" or to gain more information. The Indians, either out of cowardice or because of higher policy, generally did not conduct small party reconnaissances and whenever their parties moved out of their defended localities these were never short of a platoon strength. The effects of such policies on troops of both sides were obviously visible.  While our men had high morale and maintained an attitude of offense the Indians morale was passive. May be multifarious ethnic groups composing their army was the reason. Imagine a Madrasi or a soldier from ASSAM required to fight in the snow covered high mountains of KASHMIR. He saw no reason why he was there undergoing such hazards.  The battle front was never that dull and quiet and we had skirmishes and shelling periods frequently. Yet there was so much of free time that we had decided to attend to maintenance problems of our men and weapons. Field conditions in mountains, posed a number of problems. Mainly, it was how to keep our men fit hygienically and psychologically. We, therefore, carried out regular inspections to see if the men were safe from lice, ticks, rashes or skin diseases. Socks drew major attention because torn or bad socks would cause blisters and a soldier’s physical efficiency depended largely on ease of his walking. We arranged  a routine in which couple of men from each section or group would be allowed a day free from duty so that they could go down to clean-water streams in the rear areas for a good bath and washing. That freedom and also some hours away from the Front Line gave them mental relaxation. Weapon cleaning and continued improvement of trenches, and other defence works were regular features. Change over of company, platoon and within  platoons of section positions was also carried out for many advantages.  Men in new positions would always come up with fresh ideas. The mountains occupied by troops of both sides and the area between their positions always was gloomy and more so after the evening "Stand to". On the other hand visible slopes of features in our rear areas showed sparkling lights and cooking fires in the evenings. That sight assured that there was life and a further thought that we were up there in front to protect their innocent and humanitarian  rights which the greedy and selfish enemy was determined to snatch away was inspiring.

In the isolated and far-off mountainous region, well away from main MUZAFFARABAD – SRINAGAR road, life was as primitive as it could be in any remote area cut off from civilization. It was no better than the life in Europe before Greek civilization.  The tyrannical ruler who had bought this large area for paltry sum of around 8 million Rupees in 1840’s deliberately ensured keeping it devoid of any development.  In this part of Asia, religious biases and prejudices are too strong, in fact have always been so. The ruler was a Hindu and his community did not account for more than 8-10 percent with additional Buddhist Ladakh and Sikhs they all constituted less than 14 percent of the total population. The 86 percent majority Muslims were to remain under his subjugation and slavery.  What a justice and fair play in this so-called Democratic World of 20th century? The people were not allowed to build ventilators, nor they could have windows without additional tax. They were to occupy same one room which they shared with cattle and goats.  They were not allowed to have more than one cooking place for a family. The result was that they were pale and their health nothing but of sick men.  They subsisted on scant maize crops raised in small clearances in the forests. They had to go hundreds of miles to haul basic item like salt.  They depended on jobs of cooks, bearers and other laborious occupations of loading etc. on temporary basis, in the towns of British India. The British who finally annexed India, came to organize its governance after collapse of Sikh rule in Punjab in 1849.  Earlier, they had established their sovereignty over the princely states of all central and western India. Now they allowed some princely states to exist in the north inclusive of Hunza, Chitral, Dir, Swat and major state of Jammu & Kashmir. Some princely states of Balochistan were given similar status. Because of feudal nature of societies in these areas and mountainous countryside, the British firstly had no trading or serious economic interest here and secondly they concentrated more on political and military measures which would keep creeping Russian Empire away. With this policy they rather kept the rulers happy and faithful than to seriously raise standard of living of masses.  This allowed them continuous availability of cheap manpower.  Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that princely state rulers ruthlessness to keep their subjects at the lowest and poorest level of subsistence had tacit approval of British policy. For clothes they wore goat and sheep hair/wool clothes which were made from locally spun wool/thread. During winter they used goatskin jackets which were crudely tanned. Their women used Honey Comb Wax on their heads to plaster those against menacing lice.  They were kept so backward and ill informed that a joke was circulated in those days that when for the first time Pakistan Army Engineers Jeep went over an improved track into the interior the hospitable and enthusiastic locals brought Rice stock (Hay) to feed "This Unseen Horse". Well Done Maharaja GULAB SINGH  and his inheritors! (Shame).

e. India goes to United Nations

A ceasefire, to come in to force by the end of the year was agreed between Pakistan and India through the good offices of the United Nations who had been requested by India.  India assured the world body, the world, the Kashmiris, her own population and Pakistan that a FREE and impartial plebiscite will be held  to ascertain the will of the people of the State of JAMMU and KASHMIR. Where is that plebiscite? It is now half a century gone and so are the forgotten ashes of Mr. JAWAHAR LAL NEHRU who made that promise. Where is the fair, just and democratic conscience of the world especially the leading nations? Simultaneously, I received transfer orders to the newly created Corps of Pakistan Military Police and left for QUETTA to under-go a professional course. After the course which also included a Close Quarter Battle Course, I was posted to RAWALPINDI to a Military Police Unit, which was to look after the General Headquarters as well as Rawalpindi Logistic Area.

Liberation movement did wonders under the circumstances and what we have salvaged in the form of AZAD KASHMIR is as a result of courageous and bold actions of those KASHMIRI nationals who rose up in arms against the tyranny and  treachery. It is because of those pensioners and civilians who volunteered in thousands and it is because of great effort by the tribesmen.  Pakistani and Kashmiri  men gave their blood and sweat and braved all odds and hazards with none or very scant resources of arms and ammunition.  Fighting against a far superior regular army supported by aeroplanes, artillery and at places by tanks. They maintained offensive morale everywhere which made India seek United Nations intervention. Only some actions of a short period especially of one sector of activities viz TITHWAL will be enough to prove my point.  At TITHWAL, one Jemadar (Naib Subedar) DOST MUHAMMAD Shaheed and his platoon 2ic Havildar JALAL KHAN Shaheed gave their lives and saved PIR SAHABA feature. They had attacked battalion, with just a few men of a depleted platoon.

Offensives and great advances by Mujahid-e-Awal Sirdar MUHAMMAD ABDUL QAIYUM KHAN who started with first shot of liberation movement went along to the farthest point liberated above POONCH in the PIR PANJAL mountains, the nearest point reached near SRINAGAR. Here again we can not forget our heroes like Major (Later Brigadier) M.Aslam, MC who liberated GILGIT-BALTISTAN and portions of Northern and LADDAKH. Had they also relied on diplomatic efforts, the whole story would have been different.

Morale of our people was sky high, although we cannot forget the non-cooperative and unpatriotic attitude of  those political parties and organizations which had opposed creation of Pakistan.  That may have been a big factor for Pakistan’s leadership to have accepted the ceasefire.  Otherwise Indian Prime Minister JAWAHAR LAL NEHRU would have run away from KASHMIR as did the Maharaja before his treacherous decision.  Mr. NEHRU suffered cold feet much later  in 1962 in his own initiated war against CHINA. We have personalities such as Sirdar MUHAMMAD ABDUL QAYUM,  Sirdar MUHAMMAD IBRAHIM, Mir ABDUL AZIZ, Air Marshal ASGHAR KHAN, Lt. Col NOOR HUSSAIN, Air Marshal M.AYAZ KHAN,  Lieutenant General REKHMAN GUL,  Brigadier M.ISHAQ, Colonel MUHAMMAD ASLAM MC, Lieutenant Colonel M. ASLAM SHAIKH, Lieutenant Colonel SHER MUHAMMAD  who was known as General KAMAL and was operating against HINDWARA – TITHWAL.   Lt. Gen. Abdul Majid Malik who was the GOC authorizing and directing the very successful Leepa Valley Operations in May 1971.  There will be many more who actually took part earnestly and devotedly.  The end result is bound to establish the fact that we were tricked.