| War in Gilgit Baltistan in 1947-48 |
 |
 |
 |
| Documents | |||
|
GLIMPSES OF THE WAR OF LIBERATION 1947-48 The Advance of Tiger Force From Chilas. The morning of 24 Feb 1948, was very captivating in Chilas. The buds of almond and apricot trees were scenting the air sweetly. This morning of Chilas was having a good omen for us. All Ulema e Karam (Religious Leaders) had gathered to say farewell to the Tiger Force proceeding for Jehad. Big talk was going on about the blessings of Jehad and Shahadat but nobody out of them was getting ready to proceed with us for Jehad. The Jawans (soldiers) were demanding that for the coffin and burial rituals some Moulvi should be with us. But this demand was straightaway rejected on the grounds that for the Shaheeds there is absolutely no such requirement and even the burial of Shaheeds was a formality. Have you understood? After understanding this situation, the military band raised tunes in the air alongwith prayers, so that atleast military morale must remain intact. While passing under the Hamail Sharif (which was put on display under the Mehrab of a Masjid), we prayed sincerely for our own safety instead of the safety of those Moulvis. We started on foot and reached Bunji on 3 March 1948……………………….. 6 March 1948, the Tiger Force crossed Burzil pass…………7 March 1948, we advanced ahead from Minimarg so as to reach Gurez by nightfall. Gurez is 30 miles ahead of Minimarg…..Chasing Gurezi Muslim enemy agent attempting to inform enemy about us……strafing of enemy aitcrafts…………snow avalanches…….. Passing through Barhwan……. 41 Miles advance in one day in snow conditions……. No halt at Barhwan and further advance of 20 Miles towards Kanzalwan……… We had covered 250 Miles on foot till this place from Chilas and had to ascent further 30 miles in snow conditions over the mountain before the first light next day, as it was a matter of life and death for us to arrive at Tragbal pass before those two enemy informers, otherwise the enemy aircrafts would have knocked hell out of us….. When we opened our eyes on the top of Tragbal pass, the vale of Kashmir was still sleeping being wrapped up in a blanket of frost and mist. When the sun appeared by lifting the mist, Kashmir appeared to be saddened and depressed. The unfortunate shadow of barbarians were looming large on it. Where were those days when once a year I use to come here from Burma to see it. I remembered college days of SriPartab college, cadet days, those colleagues because of whom there was life…..Rahimdad Khan, I S Khan, Kamal-uD-din, Raja Maqbool Ahmed, Agha Mohammad, Raja Sultan Hameed, Heera Laal…… When the Gilgiti mujahids saw Kashmir for the first time their eyes and mouth got fully opened up …. 10 March 1948, there was spring down in the valley….. but there was 10 yards deep heavy snow where we were present……. !
|