The First Kashmir War 1947-1948
The war between India, Pakistan began with Pakistan’s independence in October 1947. It ended with UN mediation on December 1948. This war was also known under the title “First Kashmir war”, and it was fought for Kashmiri accession.
KashmirKashmir’s strategic location between India, Pakistan was crucial. It was the only route to China’s frontier, an important step for future trade and relations. Pakistan refused to compromise on KashmirKashmiri Muslim majority areas. Dogra Maharaja was unable to decide which state to join, as the British held that princely states would have to accede to India or Pakistan according to location and demographics.Hostilities Set out-Oct 1947Hostilities began in October when a tribal rebellion started in Poonch area in the south-west of Kashmir. The Pak army joined the fray to support tribal forces in capturing Uri, Jhangar Rajuara, Uri and naushera. The army of Pakistan was determined to seize Srinagar, the ‘capital’ of Kashmir. A Lashkar of tribals entered Kashmir valley via Abbottabad on 22 October. The Pak and Tribal forces stopped the Kashmiri battalion from Muzaffarabad on October 23. They surrounded Srinagar on October 26.
Since Pakistani forces were resisting at Uri, all the Pak activities failed. After the fall Uri’s, Pak troops and tribal forces moved to Srinagar. Pak army led by backed forces remained to protect Uri. India requested assistance after the Pak forces captured Srinagar. India immediately agreed and made one condition: Kashmir would be an Indian part. The instrument of accession was signed on October 26 1947 by both Maharaja and the Prime Ministers of Kashmir.
Indian forces flew troops in support of the operation to stop the tribunal’s incursion into Kashmir on 27/10. Quaid-e-Azam, the Indian commander in chief of Pak army, ordered Quaid-e-Azam’s entry into the Kashmiri army. General Gracy, the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Pak army army refused to follow the command. It was a case treason.
The joint command of Pakistan and India armed forces had threatened Quaid with an invasion of Kashmir, which would automatically withdraw all British soldiers serving in the Pakistani army. Because most of the officers serving in Pakistan’s army at that time were British, Pakistan was forced to comply with this ultimatum.
India saw an opening and sent 161st infantry battalion to stop tribal forces from moving. The 161st brigade of heavy-armoured cars used to counter-attack and broke through defenses, moving towards Srinagar. They defeated Pakistani backed troops and returned power and control to Srinagar. They were not equipped to fight in mountains. Indians had never been to high altitudes and were also not equipped for cold. Pakistani troops were familiar in such situations, and Pak army-backed-forces were capable of pushing back the enemy from their border area.
India launched a new offensive in Jammu-and-Kashmir on February 1948. India raised 5 brigades to defend Jammu Kashmir. Pakistan’s 101st army brigade was mobilized quickly to stop Indian forces from reaching Uri or Muzaffarabad. In April 1948, the Pak army had advanced to the front with the 7th Division in order to stop the Indian offensive at Chakothi. To defend Tithwal and Muzaffarabad front, 9(F) was also advanced. To defend Tithwal and Muzaffarabad fronts, 9(F), division was also moved.
August 14, 1948General Headquarters sent Quaid-e-Azam loyal greetings on the occasion of Pakistan’s first anniversary. Quaid-e-Azam died in Quetta on September 11, 1948, while fighting deadly afflictions.
Operation VenusIn December of 2018, the Pak Army conducted Operation Venus in order to cut off enemy supply at Beri pattan bridge area. The area containing ammunition and petrol was destroyed by the Pak military on December 14. Surprised, Indian forces were repelled by Pakistani forces and forced them to leave the area.
India requested a ceasefire at midnight on December 30th, as India was out of options. The UN mediator mediated with Pakistan to declare a ceasefire. The ceasefire was in effect from the 1st of January 1949. 3rd Kashmir was acquired by Pakistan, later renamed ‘Azad Kashmir. However, the Pakistani army prevented Kashmir from fully acceding India.
The Pak army was able to complete its initial stage during skirmishes and continue to work towards increasing army power. Pakistan constructs an Ordnance Factory to make arms and ammunition in Wah.
