Confidential Letter on Kashmir Front Conditions, Mujahideen Grievances, and Azad Kashmir Government Failures

Sub title : Letters from co‑workers fighting on the Poonch Front, a letter from Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan

Subject: Kashmir conflict | Poonch Front | Mujahideen | Azad Kashmir Government | Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan

Date of publication: 1948

Language: English

Page: 0.75

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 28908

Keyword: Kashmir -- Mujahideen -- Poonch Front -- Azad Kashmir -- Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan -- Quaid-i-Azam -- Supply shortages -- Corruption

Abstract: This confidential letter, addressed to a high authority (likely Quaid‑i‑Azam or a senior official), details critical failures in the 1948 Kashmir war effort. The writer lists six major problems: lack of transport and fighting equipment, lack of co‑operation between the Azad Kashmir Government and Pakistan forces, poor co‑ordination with the Mujahideen, inability to command public confidence, negligence of duty by the Azad Government, and misappropriation of funds. Extracts from letters from the Poonch Front describe harsh winter conditions, heavy casualties (150 “shahadats” from shelling, 30 wounded), and urgent needs for warm clothing, blankets, medicines, jeeps, and dodge cars. The writer also notes that an attempt to see Quaid‑i‑Azam in April 1948 was only partially successful. A separate letter from Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan (Commander, No. 5 Bagh Forces, dated 3 December 1948) warns that the atmosphere has become so poisonous that a rebellion or collision between Azad Forces and Pakistan forces may occur unless reforms are undertaken immediately.

Description: This file contains a confidential letter and enclosures from an anonymous writer (likely a religious or political activist) to a high authority, describing the dire situation of Mujahideen fighting on the Poonch Front in Kashmir during the 1948 war. The writer lists six key failures: lack of transport, equipment, and warm clothing; lack of cooperation between the Azad Kashmir Government and Pakistan forces; poor coordination; public distrust; government negligence; and fund misappropriation. Extracts from frontline letters report heavy casualties (150 killed, 30 wounded) from artillery shelling, severe winter conditions (snow up to 12 feet, pneumonia rampant), and complete absence of supplies. The writer urges immediate action, including using funds held by an S.D.O. to purchase jeeps and dodge cars. A letter from Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan warns of a potential rebellion between Azad and Pakistan forces if reforms are not carried out. The file provides a rare, critical insider view of the Kashmir war effort from the Mujahideen perspective. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

Total Views: 278        Favorites : 0

Download Citation: BibTeX | RIS | Chicago Manual of Style | Harvard | APA | MLA