Maqbool Sherwani was a National Conference member[1] who delayed the invasion of Pashtuns tribesmen from Pakistan in Baramulla, Kashmir in October 1947.[2] In this manner, he played an important role in buying time for Indian Army's Sikh Regiment troops who landed in Srinagar once the accession was accepted.[2] Sherwani was killed by the tribesmen.
Sherwani was vehemently opposed to the Muslim League and the concept of Pakistan, and had on 25 July 1944 disrupted a public rally of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Baramulla.[3] Sherwani embraced the diverse culture of Baramulla, celebrating its Religious pluralism. Residents also recount stories that underscore his endeavors to foster unity and religious tolerance.[3]
Role in October 1947 edit
Maqbool spotted tribesmen planning to invade Kashmir. He misguided them to a wrong path when asked to guide them to the road to Srinagar Airport, thus giving the Indian Army time to land and secure the airport. He was crucified by the angry rebel forces when they realised that he misguided them to delay their march. Maqbool Sherwani is considered as a hero by Indian Army.[4]
Legacy edit
In his memory, at Maqbool Sherwani Auditorium[5] and Mohammad Maqbool Sherwani Memorial in Baramulla, tributes are paid by Kashmiris and government officials.[6][7][8][9] The Balidan Stambh monument by Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry also bears the name of Maqbool Sherwani.[10] Writer Mulk Raj Anand wrote an account of Maqbool Sherwani's story in his novel, Death Of A Hero.[11] Anand's novel was adapted into an Indian television show, Maqbool Ki Vaapsi, which aired on DD Kashir in 2011.[12]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Choudhry, Shabir (1 July 2013). Tribal Invasion and Kashmir: Pakistani Attempts to Capture Kashmir in 1947, Division of Kashmir and Terrorism. AuthorHouse. pp. 59–60. ISBN 9781481769808.
- ^ a b "Who changed the face of '47 war? - Times of India". The Times of India. 14 August 2005. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
- ^ a b "Maqbool Sherwani: Lion of Baramulla who saved Kashmir from Pakistan". Zee News. 23 October 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ Chakravarty, Ipsita (27 October 2017). "The contested legacies of Maqbool Sherwani, the Kashmiri who stalled invaders in 1947". Scroll.in. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ Maj Gen Raj Mehta (retd) (14 April 2019). "An ode to bravery". The Tribune. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "J&K Guv Lays Wreath At War Memorial in Baramulla". Outlook Magazine. 27 October 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "JKFFA pays tributes to Abdul Darji, Maqbool Sherwani". State Times. 7 November 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "GANDERBAL STUDENTS VISITED JAK LI REGIMENTAL CENTRE : Valley News". valleynews.in. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "It's Been 70 Years Since Tribal Forces Poured Into Kashmir". Kashmir Observer. 2 November 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "A Monument of Sacrifice". Daily Excelsior. 20 July 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ George, C. J. (1 January 1994). Mulk Raj Anand, His Art and Concerns: A Study of His Non-autobiographical Novels. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. pp. 129–130. ISBN 9788171564453.
- ^ ""Maqbool Ki Vaapsi" Title Song". M S Azaad. 28 August 2012.