Page 5 - ch 16

Indo-Pakistan War 1947-1948 Module - V

Major Wars Post
Intext Questions 16.2 Independence

1. Which areas in Jammu and Kashmir did raiders from Pakistan capture?

2. Who was Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai and why was he awarded Maha
Vir Chakra in 1947?
Note
Battle of Shelatang

Airplanes of the Indian Air Force brought in more troops, guns and ammunition at
Srinagar airfield. The next task was to throw out the invaders from the Kashmir valley.
This was done by one brigade sized force of the Indian Army. The main attack took
place in a place called Shelatang. The attack was so quick and fierce that the enemy
was defeated within 20 minutes. All the raiders panicked and ran towards
Muzaffarabad. The Indian Air Force bombed and fired at the raiders causing huge
casualities. Baramula town and Uri were captured quickly thus ending the war in
Kashmir valley.

Attack on Naushera

The winter months meant hardly any operations in the north and action was confined
to the south, in Jammu area. Enemy was concentrating his troops for an attack on
Naushera which was an important place between Jammu and Poonch. The enemy
attacked Naushera on the night of 5th and 6th February from three sides. After a bitter
battle, the attack was repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy. It was also the biggest
battle of the Kashmir War. Enemy was defeated because of our very effective Artillery.

Attack on Poonch

The raiders attacked Poonch town in October 1947 and surrounded it. Indian Army
led by Lieutenant Colonel Pritam Singh was already inside the Poonch and he started
defended the town. The army went on patrols by night and fought and killed the
raiders. This action did not allow the enemy to enter Poonch town. Later in December
1947, Air Force landed their aircraft carrying more troops and guns. Similar to what
was done in Srinagar. Because of the attacks by raiders, the area faced problem of
refugees & their settlement. The Air Force aircraft after dropping the army soldiers
carried the refugees to Jammu and other safe areas. The daring attacks by Indian
Army stopped the raiders from coming any further.

16.2.2 Attack on Kargil: Operation Bison

You have learnt that the Pakistani invaders had come to Kargil also. An operation was
launched on 01 November 1948 through Zoji La pass to capture Kargil. It was a
daring attack led by General Thimayya. He used tanks, artillery and Air Force to

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MILITARY HISTORY 33