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Siege of Skardu: Difference between revisions
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{{EngvarB|date=October | {{Short description|Siege during the First Kashmir War of 1947}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October | {{EngvarB|date=October 2022}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}} | |||
{{Infobox military conflict | {{Infobox military conflict | ||
| conflict | | conflict = Siege of Skardu | ||
| partof | | partof = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]] | ||
| image | | image = THOMSON(1852) p232 ISKARDO FORT.jpg | ||
| caption | | caption = | ||
| place = [[Skardu]] | |||
| place | | coordinates = | ||
| coordinates = | | map_type = | ||
| map_type | | map_relief = | ||
| map_relief | | latitude = | ||
| latitude | | longitude = | ||
| longitude | | map_size = | ||
| map_size | | map_marksize = | ||
| map_marksize = | | map_caption = | ||
| map_caption = | | map_label = | ||
| map_label | | date = 11 February 1948 - 14 August 1948<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=2|day1=11|year1=1948|month2=8|day2=14|year2=1948}}) | ||
| territory | | territory = [[Skardu]] becomes part of [[Gilgit Baltistan|Pakistan-administered Kashmir]] | ||
| result | | result = Pakistani victory<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/spare-a-thought-for-those-defenders-of-skardu/121327.html|title=The Battle of Skardu|newspaper=The Tribune (India)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWXfAAAAMAAJ|title=Thimayya: An Amazing Life|last=Khanduri|first=Chandra B.|date=2006-01-01|publisher=Knowledge World|isbn=9788187966364|language=en}}</ref> | ||
| status | | status = | ||
| combatants_header = | | combatants_header = | ||
| combatant1 | | combatant1 = {{flagicon|India}} [[Dominion of India]] | ||
{{flagicon|India}} [[Dominion of India]] | |||
[[File: Flag of Jammu and Kashmir (1936-1953).svg|22px]] [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] | [[File: Flag of Jammu and Kashmir (1936-1953).svg|22px]] [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] | ||
| combatant2 | | combatant2 = {{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Dominion of Pakistan]] | ||
{{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Dominion of Pakistan]] | |||
*[[File:Flag of State of Chitral.svg|25px]] [[Chitral (princely state)|Chitral]] | *[[File:Flag of State of Chitral.svg|25px]] [[Chitral (princely state)|Chitral]] | ||
| combatant3 | | combatant3 = | ||
| commander1 = | | commander1 = [[Sher Jung Thapa|Colonel Sher Jung Thapa]] {{Surrendered}} | ||
| commander2 | | commander2 = [[Aslam Khan (Pakistani brigadier)|Colonel Aslam Khan]],<br/> [[Colonel Mata ul-Mulk]] | ||
| commander3 | | commander3 = | ||
| units1 | | units1 = [[Jammu and Kashmir State Forces]] | ||
| units2 | | units2 = [[Gilgit Scouts]], [[Chitral Scouts]], [[Chitral Bodyguard|Chitral State Bodyguards]] | ||
| units3 | | units3 = | ||
| strength1 | | strength1 = | ||
| strength2 | | strength2 = | ||
| strength3 | | strength3 = | ||
| casualties1 = | | casualties1 = | ||
| casualties2 = | | casualties2 = | ||
| casualties3 = | | casualties3 = | ||
| notes | | notes = | ||
| campaignbox = | | campaignbox = | ||
}} | }} | ||
The ''' | The '''siege of Skardu''' was a prolonged military [[blockade]] carried out by the [[Gilgit Scouts]], [[Chitral Scouts]] and [[Chitral Bodyguard|Chitral State Bodyguards]], acting in coordination against [[Jammu & Kashmir Rifles|Jammu and Kashmir State Forces]] and the [[Indian Army]] in the town of [[Skardu]], during the [[First Kashmir War]] of 1947.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qc25BwAAQBAJ|title=The Crimson Chinar: The Kashmir Conflict: A Politico Military Perspective|last=VSM|first=Brig Amar Cheema|date=2015-03-31|publisher=Lancer Publishers|isbn=9788170623014|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_l9tBQAAQBAJ|title=Gilgit Rebelion: The Major Who Mutinied Over Partition of India|last=Brown|first=William|date=2014-11-30|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=9781473821873|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rotnAgAAQBAJ|title=Short Stories from the History of the Indian Army Since August 1947|last=(Retd)|first=Col J. Francis|date=2013-08-30|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd|isbn=9789382652175|language=en}}</ref> | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
Under Major W.A. Brown and Captain Matheson, the [[Gilgit Scouts]] had revolted on 31 October 1947, by unfurling [[Flag of Pakistan|the | Under Major W.A. Brown and Captain Matheson, the [[Gilgit Scouts]] had revolted on 31 October 1947, by unfurling [[Flag of Pakistan|the | ||
Pakistani flag]], in response to [[Hari Singh|Maharaja Hari Singh]]'s accession to [[India | Pakistani flag]], in response to [[Hari Singh|Maharaja Hari Singh]]'s accession to [[India]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2wG8SgAACAAJ|title=Military Plight of Pakistan: Indo-Pak War, 1947-48|last=Gulati|first=M. N.|date=2000-01-01|publisher=Manas Publications|isbn=9788170491231|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kv0VAQAAMAAJ|title=The Pakistan Review|date=1963-01-01|publisher=Ferozsons Limited|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vuhtAAAAMAAJ|title=In the Wonderland of Asia, Gilgit & Baltistan|last=Baloch|first=Sikandar Khan|date=2004-01-01|publisher=Sang-e-Meel Publications|isbn=9789693516142|language=en}}</ref> | ||
== Siege of Skardu == | == Siege of Skardu == | ||
In November 1947 the situation in the [[Astore District|Astore]] and [[Skardu]] was precarious. The [[Gilgit Scouts]] were retreating and the Indian forces had made a considerable advance across the [[Burzil Pass]]. The ruler of [[Chitral (princely state)|Chitral]], [[Muzaffar ul-Mulk]] who had recently acceded to [[Pakistan]] sent the [[Chitral Bodyguard|State Bodyguard's]] and [[Chitral Scouts]] to assist the [[Gilgit Scouts]]. Together they relieved the Karmi and Domel sector and headed towards [[Skardu]] in large number.<ref>{{Cite book|title=An Illustrated History of the Chitral Scouts (1903-2014)|last=Cheema|first=Aamir Mushtaq|publisher=War Studies|year=2014|pages=44}}</ref> | In November 1947 the situation in the [[Astore District|Astore]] and [[Skardu]] was precarious. The [[Gilgit Scouts]] were retreating and the Indian forces had made a considerable advance across the [[Burzil Pass]]. The ruler of [[Chitral (princely state)|Chitral]], [[Muzaffar ul-Mulk]] who had recently acceded to [[Pakistan]] sent the [[Chitral Bodyguard|State Bodyguard's]] and [[Chitral Scouts]] to assist the [[Gilgit Scouts]]. Together they relieved the Karmi and Domel sector and headed towards [[Skardu]] in large number.<ref>{{Cite book|title=An Illustrated History of the Chitral Scouts (1903-2014)|last=Cheema|first=Aamir Mushtaq|publisher=War Studies|year=2014|pages=44}}</ref> | ||
When Muslims soldiers of 6 [[Jammu & Kashmir Rifles|Jammu and Kashmir State Forces]] defected and killed [[Sikh]] soldiers, Major [[Sher Jung Thapa]], stationed at [[Leh]], was promoted as [[Colonel (India)|Lieut. Colonel]] and asked to proceed to [[Skardu]] for its defence. On reaching Skardu on 3 December, he realised that his position was untenable and immediately sought permission to withdraw the garrison and the civil administration to [[Kargil]] and also requested reinforcements. The request for withdrawal was turned down and he was asked "to hold to last man and last round". Thus began the defence of Skardu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/spare-a-thought-for-those-defenders-of-skardu/121327.html|title=Defenders of Skardu|website=Tribune India|publication-date=19 August | When Muslims soldiers of 6 [[Jammu & Kashmir Rifles|Jammu and Kashmir State Forces]] defected and killed [[Sikh]] soldiers, Major [[Sher Jung Thapa]], stationed at [[Leh]], was promoted as [[Colonel (India)|Lieut. Colonel]] and asked to proceed to [[Skardu]] for its defence. On reaching Skardu on 3 December, he realised that his position was untenable and immediately sought permission to withdraw the garrison and the civil administration to [[Kargil]] and also requested reinforcements. The request for withdrawal was turned down and he was asked "to hold to last man and last round". The Indian forces, along with the non-Muslim [[Civilian|civil population]] of Skardu, withdrew into the [[Skardu Fort]] where they were besieged by volunteers from Chitral.<ref>{{Cite book|last=India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Tsw5AQAAIAAJ|title=India, 1947-50: External affairs|date=1959-01-01|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=493|language=en}}</ref> Thus began the defence of Skardu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/spare-a-thought-for-those-defenders-of-skardu/121327.html|title=Defenders of Skardu|website=Tribune India|publication-date=19 August 2022}}</ref> | ||
Meanwhile, [[Srinagar]], under the control of the [[Indian Army]], assembled 3 successive Skardu relief columns, but they were not successful in reaching Skardu. With [[Gilgit]] under Pakistan's control and absence of any effective relief, including air dropping of ammunition, it was a matter of time before the end neared. On 11 February 1948, the Pakistani forces battled with the Skardu garrison of the fort. After a six-hour-long battle between the two, the attackers retreated. They came again on 14 February directing "harassing fire into the fort".<ref name="Chakravorty">{{cite book|author1=B. Chakravorty|title=Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners|publisher=Allied Publishers|isbn=9788170235163|pages=352–353}}</ref> | |||
By mid-August 1948, the Skardu garrison was in beggarly shape and the Kashmir forces left the fort in small batches on 13 August 1948. On 14 August 1948, outnumbered five to one, and with the last box of the reserve ammunition used, the garrison surrendered.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The Battle of Skardu|newspaper=The Tribune (India)|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/spare-a-thought-for-those-defenders-of-skardu/121327.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Khanduri|first=Chandra B.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWXfAAAAMAAJ|title=Thimayya: An Amazing Life|date=2006-01-01|publisher=Knowledge World|isbn=9788187966364|language=en}}</ref> All the remaining men were reportedly killed by the invaders, except for Col. Thapa and his Sikh orderly, who were taken prisoner.<ref name="Francis">{{cite book|author1=J Francis|title=Short Stories from the History of the Indian Army Since August 1947|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd|isbn=9789382652175|pages=26–27}}</ref><ref name="Chakravorty" /> Skardu became part of the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, eventually renamed [[Gilgit-Baltistan]]. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 19:31, 17 August 2022
| Siege of Skardu | |||||||||
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| Part of Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 | |||||||||
_p232_ISKARDO_FORT.jpg) | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
.svg){kind=small} Jammu and Kashmir | |||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
| Colonel Sher Jung Thapa Template:Surrendered |
Colonel Aslam Khan, Colonel Mata ul-Mulk | ||||||||
| Units involved | |||||||||
| Jammu and Kashmir State Forces | Gilgit Scouts, Chitral Scouts, Chitral State Bodyguards | ||||||||
The siege of Skardu was a prolonged military blockade carried out by the Gilgit Scouts, Chitral Scouts and Chitral State Bodyguards, acting in coordination against Jammu and Kashmir State Forces and the Indian Army in the town of Skardu, during the First Kashmir War of 1947.[3][4][5]
Background
Under Major W.A. Brown and Captain Matheson, the Gilgit Scouts had revolted on 31 October 1947, by unfurling the Pakistani flag, in response to Maharaja Hari Singh's accession to India.[6][7][8]
Siege of Skardu
In November 1947 the situation in the Astore and Skardu was precarious. The Gilgit Scouts were retreating and the Indian forces had made a considerable advance across the Burzil Pass. The ruler of Chitral, Muzaffar ul-Mulk who had recently acceded to Pakistan sent the State Bodyguard's and Chitral Scouts to assist the Gilgit Scouts. Together they relieved the Karmi and Domel sector and headed towards Skardu in large number.[9]
When Muslims soldiers of 6 Jammu and Kashmir State Forces defected and killed Sikh soldiers, Major Sher Jung Thapa, stationed at Leh, was promoted as Lieut. Colonel and asked to proceed to Skardu for its defence. On reaching Skardu on 3 December, he realised that his position was untenable and immediately sought permission to withdraw the garrison and the civil administration to Kargil and also requested reinforcements. The request for withdrawal was turned down and he was asked "to hold to last man and last round". The Indian forces, along with the non-Muslim civil population of Skardu, withdrew into the Skardu Fort where they were besieged by volunteers from Chitral.[10] Thus began the defence of Skardu.[11]
Meanwhile, Srinagar, under the control of the Indian Army, assembled 3 successive Skardu relief columns, but they were not successful in reaching Skardu. With Gilgit under Pakistan's control and absence of any effective relief, including air dropping of ammunition, it was a matter of time before the end neared. On 11 February 1948, the Pakistani forces battled with the Skardu garrison of the fort. After a six-hour-long battle between the two, the attackers retreated. They came again on 14 February directing "harassing fire into the fort".[12]
By mid-August 1948, the Skardu garrison was in beggarly shape and the Kashmir forces left the fort in small batches on 13 August 1948. On 14 August 1948, outnumbered five to one, and with the last box of the reserve ammunition used, the garrison surrendered.[13][14] All the remaining men were reportedly killed by the invaders, except for Col. Thapa and his Sikh orderly, who were taken prisoner.[15][12] Skardu became part of the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, eventually renamed Gilgit-Baltistan.
References
- ↑ "The Battle of Skardu". The Tribune (India).
- ↑ Khanduri, Chandra B. (1 January 2006). Thimayya: An Amazing Life. Knowledge World. ISBN 9788187966364.
- ↑ VSM, Brig Amar Cheema (31 March 2015). The Crimson Chinar: The Kashmir Conflict: A Politico Military Perspective. Lancer Publishers. ISBN 9788170623014.
- ↑ Brown, William (30 November 2014). Gilgit Rebelion: The Major Who Mutinied Over Partition of India. Pen and Sword. ISBN 9781473821873.
- ↑ (Retd), Col J. Francis (30 August 2013). Short Stories from the History of the Indian Army Since August 1947. Vij Books India Pvt Ltd. ISBN 9789382652175.
- ↑ Gulati, M. N. (1 January 2000). Military Plight of Pakistan: Indo-Pak War, 1947-48. Manas Publications. ISBN 9788170491231.
- ↑ The Pakistan Review. Ferozsons Limited. 1 January 1963.
- ↑ Baloch, Sikandar Khan (1 January 2004). In the Wonderland of Asia, Gilgit & Baltistan. Sang-e-Meel Publications. ISBN 9789693516142.
- ↑ Cheema, Aamir Mushtaq (2014). An Illustrated History of the Chitral Scouts (1903-2014). War Studies. p. 44.
- ↑ India (1 January 1959). India, 1947-50: External affairs. Oxford University Press. p. 493.
- ↑ "Defenders of Skardu". Tribune India. 19 August 2022.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 B. Chakravorty. Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners. Allied Publishers. pp. 352–353. ISBN 9788170235163.
- ↑ "The Battle of Skardu". The Tribune (India).
- ↑ Khanduri, Chandra B. (1 January 2006). Thimayya: An Amazing Life. Knowledge World. ISBN 9788187966364.
- ↑ J Francis. Short Stories from the History of the Indian Army Since August 1947. Vij Books India Pvt Ltd. pp. 26–27. ISBN 9789382652175.