Editor's Mail   Facts about Accession

Dear Sir,

This has reference to Shri Bal Raj Madhok's letter dated 20th July 1996 appearing in Koshur Samachar September issue, under the caption "Facts about Accession.

Shri Bal Raj Madhok is not only well known personality but is widely respected leader. His role in Kashmir Affairs before and after partition is well known. But I regret to say that the 'Facts about Accession of Jammu and Kashmir state with India, mentioned by him in the letter under reference do not corroborate with the publications and documents relating to the role of Maharaja Hari Singh, Pandit Nehru, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and National Conference.

The following is the extract of correspondence between Maharaja Hari Singh and Lord

Mountbatten.

'My dear Lord Mountbatten,

I have to inform your Excellency that a grave emergency has arisen in my state and request immediate assistance of your Government

As your Excellency is aware the State of Jammu and Kashmir has not acceded to the Dominion of India or to Pakistan. I wanted to take time to decide to which Dominion I should accede. 1 accordingly approach the Dominions of India and Pakistan to enter into Standstill Agreement with my State Though we have got a Standstill Agreement with the Pakistan

Government that Government permitted steady and increasing strangulation of supplies like food, salt and petrol to my State.

Afridis, soldiers in plain clothes, and desperadoes, with modern weapons have been allowed to infilter into the state. It has become difficult to stop the wanton destruction of life and property and looting. The Mahora power-house which supplies the current to the whole of Srinagar has been burnt. The number of women who have been kidnapped and raped make my heart bleed. The wild forces thus let loose on the State are marching on with the aim of capturing Srinagar, as first step to over-running the whole state.

With the conditions obtaining at present in my State and the great emergency of the situation as it exists, I have no option but to ask for help from the Indian Dominion. Naturally they cannot send the help asked for by me without my State acceding to the Dominion of India. I have accordingly decided to do so and I attach the Instrument of Accession for acceptance by your Government.

I may also inform your Excellency's Government that it is my intention at once to set up an interim Government and ask Sheikh Abdullah to carry the responsibilities in this emergency with my Prime Minister. If my State has to be saved immediate assistance must be available at Srinagar. Mr. Menon is fully aware of the situation and he will explain to you if further explanation is needed

In haste and with kindest regards

The Palace, Jamma 26th October, 1947

Yours sincerely Hari Singh

My dear Maharaja Sahib,

Your Highness letter dated 26th October has been delivered to me by Mr. V.P Menon. In the special circumstances mentioned by your Highness my Government have decided to accept the accession of Kashmir State to the Dominion of India. In consistence with their Policy that in the case of any State where the issue of accession has been the subject of dispute, the question of accession should be decided in accordance with the wishes of the people of State, it is my Government's wish that as soon as law and order have been restored in Kashmir and her soil cleared of the invader the question of the State's accession should be settled by a reference to the people.

Meanwhile in response to your Highness' appeal for military aid action has been taken today to send troops of the Indian Army to Kashmir to help your own forces to defend your territory and to protect the lives, property and honour of your people.

My Government and I note with satisfaction that your Highness has decided to invite Sheikh Abdullah to form an interim Government to work with your Prime Minister

With kind regards, I remain,

New Delhi October 27, 1947

Yours sincerely,

Mountbatten of Burma

DISCLAIMER: 

The views expressed in the Article above are Author’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article.                                                                    

Courtesy:   Koshur Samachar, November, 1996