O P Sharma
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Name of Book: 1947 Pakistan Assault on Kashmir & Brig. Rajinder Singh
Author : Narsingh Dev Jamwal
Publisher: Self Publication
Year : 2025
Pages : 33
Price : Rs 100
In 1947, Brig Rajinder Singh led a team of gallant soliders to fight against Pakistani-backed tribal raiders to get time for the Indian Army’s assistance in Jammu and Kashmir and to ensure that Maharaja Hari Singh signs the Instrument of Accession. His “immortal stand” with a small contingent of around 100 men near Uri successfully delayed a much larger attacking force for several days. He was mortally wounded on October 27, 1947, and posthumously became the first recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest military honour, for his supreme sacrifice.
Action against raiders:
Brig Singh was appointed Chief of Staff of the J&K State Forces on September 25, 1947 and took command of a small force to defend against the onslaught of tribal raiders in Jammu and Kashmir.
Significance of Tactics:
His strategic decision to blow up bridges and hold their positions for several days was crucial which halted the enemy’s advance and provided the necessary time for the Maharaja to sign the Instrument of Accession on October 27, 1947 and for the Indian Army to begin airlifting troops to save Jammu and Kashmir especially Srinagar city.
Sacrifice and Recognition:
He made the supreme sacrifice on October 26-27, 1947 and in recognition of his gallantry, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously in 1949, making him the first recipient of this award in Independent India.
Proud Legacy:
He is remembered as the “Saviour of Kashmir” and the “Immortal Dogra” for his valour and selfless sacrifice, which ensured the State’s accession to India.
Mr. Jamwal has given a graphic account of the fiercest battles between our Forces and Pak Intruders, aided and abetted by regular Pak troops and boldly challenge the assault and held them from entering deep into outskirts of Srinagar city, The Summer capital of the J&K State. It is significant that the Indian Army were pushing back the intruders but unfortunately cease – fire was declared on Jan 1, 1948, which made 1/3 portion of Jammu and Kashmir remain under illegal occupation of Pakistan. The author of this book, Mr. Jamwal was also made POW who was later on released and arrived in J&K State. He was inducted into J&K Police and later rose to be DySP.
Born on Feb 28, 1931 at Balwal village in on the outskirts of Jammu city, he got his matriculation in 1945 from Punjab University, Lahore and later did Post – graduation in Dogri language. Firstly, he joined J&K Forces and during 1947 took part in attack of Kabali in J&K under the superb leadership of Brig. Rajinder Singh.
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He entered creative field and made his mark in paintings, sculpture and literary work. He was bestowed Sahitya Akademi Award and bagged many other honours / awards. He was also conferred the Title of “Padam Shri”.
The Small Dogri book 1947 Pakistan Assault on Kashmir & Brig. Rajinder Singh is an interesting and informative narration of the 1947 Indo -Pak conflict in which Pakistan grabbed major portion of Jammu and Kashmir territory which is still under its illegal control. But the Indian Parliament has unanimously passed resolutions on POJK and even the central Government has declared its firm resolve to get back this territory.
This is a good book worth reading by one and all.
The author is a Jammu based Journalist.
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