K D Maini
kdmainipoonch@gmail.com
Rajouri city has witnessed a number of ups and downs in history and was burned thrice. Firstly, between 980-1003 AD, when Rani Didda was ruling Kashmir, Prithvipal, the Raja of Rajouri, revolted against Didda. Rani Didda sent her able minister Tung Rai along with Kashmiri forces to capture Rajouri. Tunga assaulted Rajouri town and, after a tough battle, Raja Prithvipal was defeated. Tunga captured Rajouri and burnt the city. When Tunga returned to Srinagar, Rani Didda was so pleased that she appointed Tung Rai as the Prime Minister of Kashmir.
The second time was in 1814, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh decided to conquer Kashmir. He moved with a large Khalsa force and, after capturing Bimber, Rajouri, and Poonch, engaged with Afghan Governor Azam Khan at Jamia Gali Pass on the Mandi side. Raja Aghar Khan of Rajouri revolted forcefully against the Maharaja’s forces at Behramgalla in such a manner that the Maharaja’s offensive move was halted. He called off further movement towards Kashmir and returned to Lahore. Therefore, to take revenge on Aghar Khan, the Maharaja deputed Khalsa forces to Rajouri in 1815. They assaulted Rajouri town; Aghar Khan vacated the city, and Rajouri was burnt.
For the third time, during the turmoil of 1947, Rajouri (Rampur) was plundered, destroyed, and burned by Pakistan-sponsored forces. Thousands of natives of Rajouri city were slaughtered by the forces of Col. Rehmat Ullah, a deserter from the state forces of Maharaja Hari Singh; Sakhi Daler, a Suddan leader of Plandri; and Col. Mohammad Aslam of the Pakistan regular army, as part of ‘Operation Gulmarg’ to capture Kashmir. These forces were monitored by Pakistani commander Mohd. Akbar Khan, working behind the curtain under the code name ‘General Tariq’.
These Pakistan-sponsored forces assaulted Rajouri between 12th and 13th November 1947 and captured the city. The only state officer, Pandit Harji Lal, along with 40 Dogra jawans, had left the city during the intervening night of 9th and 10th December without informing the citizens. Therefore, only 30 Gorkha jawans, along with volunteers from Rajouri, were defending the city and resisted until 10th November. Then Rajouri was captured by the aggressors. During this operation, the majority of Hindu and Sikh natives of Rajouri were killed near the present airfield. Their houses were looted, burnt, and destroyed. With the help of deserters from the Maharaja’s forces, the Pakistani army installed Mirza Mohd. Hussain of Behrote, the sitting MLA of Praja Sabha, as the ruler of Rajouri. He established his government, nominated ministers, and began functioning while Pakistan-sponsored forces moved towards Buddhal, Thana Mandi, Darhal, and Manjakote.
From 13th November 1947 (Diwali Day) to 13th April 1948 (Baisakhi Day), Rajouri remained under the occupation of Pakistan-sponsored forces. On the other hand, on 24th October 1947, another rebel government, ‘Azad Kashmir’, was announced by Sardar Ibrahim Khan at Plandri town of the Poonch principality, which had almost occupied the region barring Poonch city. In this manner, the whole area south of Pir Panjal came under illegal occupation, excluding the besieged Poonch city.
As per the book History of the Operations in Jammu and Kashmir (1947-48), this was the situation on 6th April 1948 when Lt. Gen. K.M. Cariappa, GOC Western Command, directed Major General Kulwant Singh, stationed at Nowshera, to move towards Rajouri under ‘Operation Ranjeet’. This 48 km stretch from Nowshera to Rajouri was thickly wooded and well defended by the enemy. The road had been blocked at four places by felled pine trees.
After full preparations, Major General Kulwant Singh directed the 19th Brigade to capture Rajouri. The brigade commander ordered 4 Dogra to capture the important Barwali Ridge. On 8th April 1948, 4 Dogra advanced with tank and artillery support. After intense fighting, they captured Barwali the same day. The enemy retreated towards Rani Forest. For outstanding gallantry, J.N. Jattar was awarded the Mahavir Chakra.
On 9th April, 4 Dogra extended operations and liberated Rani Forest and Choor Ban. Meanwhile, 2nd JAT captured five enemy posts and advanced towards Chingus, capturing Rohtak Top. They reached Chakkli village by evening. Simultaneously, 1st Kumaon captured Thand and Mal. Rajputana Rifles advanced towards Chingus and occupied four enemy posts. On 10th April, forces stormed Chingus, which had already been vacated by the enemy. Chingus became the base for the final assault on Rajouri.
At this stage, Gujjars led by Chowdhary Din Mohd. (Dina) of Leerrian village reached Chingus and offered support to the army. Their assistance proved beneficial.
On 10th April, panic spread in Rajouri. Mirza Mohd. Hussain and others fled towards Pakistan during the night of 10th-11th April.
On 12th April, 1st Kumaon advanced with tanks towards Rajouri. Despite blockades, the army captured the city at 18:30 hours. On 13th April (Baisakhi Day), the forces secured the entire area. Rajouri was mostly depopulated. Only three fresh pits with dead bodies were found. The next day, about 300 survivors were rescued from Gowdharan Bala.
Pakistan-sponsored forces had committed large-scale killings, but local Muslims also protected many Hindus and Sikhs. Jaildar Sher Mohd. of Hasbharote sheltered 24 women and children. Rai Ghulam Hussain protected Naib Tehsildar Thakur Kashmir Singh. Munshi Fazal Din safeguarded three daughters of the Bakshi family and later handed them over to their parents.
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