THE FIRST INDO-PAKISTAN WAR

THE FIRST INDO-PAKISTAN WAR
Background
The main cause of the first war between India and Pakistan was related to Kashmir issue following the independence of India and Pakistan. On 15th August 1947, India got independence and 14th August, Pakistan also became Independent nation. Prior to independence the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947 and the princely states were given the choice to choose either India or Pakistan to accede.

As per the Indian Independence Act 1947, all princely states other Kashmir merged either with India or with Pakistan. Kashmir is geographically located between India and Pakistan with Muslims majority and it was led by Hindu Maharaja. After the Muslims population, Sikhs and Hindus made up the other major ethnicities. The Maharaja of Kashmir couldn't take the final decision whether to join with India or Pakistan.Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh tried to avoid accession to either country.

Both India and Pakistan constantly insisted the princely state to be part of their sides and Kashmir and Jammu came under pressure from both sides. Pakistan thought as Kashmir was a Muslim majority state so it should go to Pakistan. Again majority Kashmiri population did not wish to join Pakistan and instead wanted to join India or for independence from the two nations.

The War
The pro-Pakistani factions became violent due to the indecision of Maharaja. In early October 1947, a tribal rebellionbroke out in Poonch and towards end of October 1947 Pakistani Army supported the rebellion group. On 22th October, the tribal force of Lashkar with Pakistani Army attacked the Kashmir valley. In the beginning days they achieved significant successes and captured some important places. The combined force defeated the Kashmiri government battalion at Muzaffarabad. Maharaja of Kashmir fled his capital and request Indian government for help. In the mean time the invading force captured Baramula and reached near to Srinagar airfield.

The Indian government agreed to help Maharaja of Kashmir provided that Kashmir acceded to India. On 26thOctober 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh and Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehrumutually agreed the terms and conditions and signed the agreement.

The Governor General of India and the Chairman of the provisional Defense Committee Lord Mountbattenimmediately ordered the Indian Forces to react. Indian Air force started air lifting the Indian troops to prevent the tribal incursion. On the other hand Pakistani Governor-General Muhammad Ali Jinnahordered Pakistani army Chief General Douglas Gracey to send more troops to Kashmir. But the British General Gracey refused to accept the order as the Indian Force also headed by Lord Mountbatten represented the British Crown. Later Pakistan managed to send troops to Kashmir.

In early of November 1947, Indian Army successfully broke through the Pakistani Army and captured the Srinagar airfield. Even though Indian Army initially achieved the success, in December, the Pakistani Forces achieved success due to the logistical problem of Indian Army. Indian forces were not well prepared to fight in a high altitude and sever cold. Pakistani Forces took that advantage and pushed back the Indian forces. Indian force did not do any massive operation till the climate became suitable. In 1948 spring, the Indian forces intensify the attack to recapture the places which were occupied by Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan continued their fight. Indian leaders foresee that the war would continue for a longer time to conclude which would involve considerable resources. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru decided to ask UN to intervene. On 31st December 1948, UN arranged a ceasefire and it came into effect on 1st January 1949. As per the ceasefire implemented by UN, Pakistan had to withdraw its forces from Kashmir while India was allowed to maintain minimum forces to maintain the law and order in the state.

-SOCIAL MEDIA CONTE.