Published:
December 21, 2024
Baramulla is a town located in the northern part of the Kashmir Valley, about 51 kilometers northwest of Srinagar. It lies along the Jhelum River and serves as a gateway to the beautiful and historic Kashmir region, close to the Line of Control (LoC). Baramulla played a critical role in the 1947-48 Indo-Pakistan War, particularly in the early stages of the conflict.
In October 1947, Pakistan initiated Operation Gulmarg, sending tribal militias to invade Jammu and Kashmir. The raiders, led by Pakistan Army personnel, attacked Baramulla, committing atrocities including mass killings, looting, arson, and widespread sexual violence. They targeted both Hindus and Muslims indiscriminately, stealing valuables and destroying homes. As many as 5,000 raiders plundered Baramulla, using 280 trucks to carry away the loot. Brig Rajendra Singh, Chief of Staff of J&K State Forces was tasked by the Maharaja to proceed to Baramulla for its defence. With meagre resources under command, his forces were able to delay the raiders advance by four days, thereby allowing Indian troops to re-inforce their presence in the region. He was killed during the action and was awarded the Mahavir Chakra. The town was left in ruins until Indian forces recaptured it on November 7, 1947, bringing relief to the local population.
Srinagar → Pattan (35 Km) → Delina (54 Km) → Baramullah (63 Km) Destination
