The Battle that Saved Srinagar !

Much has been written, mentioned and discussed about the great battles fought on the Indian soil. But very few people, who are either born before Independence or who might have read about the Pakistani Tribesmen attack on Kashmir, know about the “Battle of Shalteng’’, which was fought in November 1947 soon after the signing of the  Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947

It is interesting to know about this historical battle from the Indian Defence point of view, as the fate of Srinagar and the entire Kashmir Valley, hinged on  the out- come of this battle fought by the brave soldiers of the Indian Army against tribal looters of Pakistan, who were also assisted by regular army of that country.

Slender Was The Thread

It was on October 22 1947, when the Pathans and the frontier tribesmen from over The Mountains overran the Valley of Kashmir captured places like Uri, Baramulla and Pattan, killed so many men and women, looted the villagers and were finally approaching towards Srinagar with the same intention, apart from capturing the city.

Soon after Indian forces landed at Srinagar, the Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army was pressed into action. The Brigade played a pivotal role in saving Kashmir from enemy forces.

 The Commander of the Brigade, Lt Gen L.P  Sen in his Book “ The Slender Was the Thread’’, while recalling all those anxious moments, gives  a complete  description of events  and the crucial days stretched for a period of five months he and his Brigade had to spend in order to save Kashmir.

Gen Sen  says that when the raiders were approaching towards Srinagar and were almost on the verge to capture it, the 161 Infantry Brigade fought the Battle of Shalteng to save Srinagar.

On November 4, 1947, under a well strategic plan, the raiders were allowed to move up to  Shalteng crossing, where they  were s attacked. Cavalry—a part of Infantry Brigade was rushed to Sumbal area via Ganderbal in order to attack the Pakistani soldiers from the back side. They were joined by Kummon battalion at Shalteng. Thus, the enemy forces, sandwiched between cavalry and Kummon, suffered heavily and their dreams of capturing Srinagar were shattered. Hundreds of Pathans and tribes- men were killed in the battle, while the remaining fled back after leaving Lorries, arms and ammunition at Shalteng.

Winning Battle of Shalteng was Crucial for India

Lt Gen Sen admits that if the results of the battle had gone in favour of Pakistan, it would have been very tough task for India to save Kashmir. He has, however, all praise for Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who had suggested to send Cavalry to Sumbal where this Infantry Brigade was equally supported by National Conference workers.   

It took Infantry just 20 minutes from the word “Go’’ to attack tribesmen. Later, 1-Sikh was ordered to advance towards Pattan. This involved searching the villages both sides of the road and flushing out any enemy party that might have hidden in the villages.

People of Srinagar were unaware of crucial Battle

Gen Sen surprisingly mentions that people in Srinagar, though few kilometres away from the battlefield, had yet no idea about this decisive battle, which was fought in their backyard. However, soon after the battle, the news spread and jubilant Kashmiris had a sigh of relief being saved from the Pakistani attackers.

 “Slender Was The Thread’’  gives a factual account of the role of the famous 161 Indian Infantry Brigade in saving Kashmir from the ravages of the rapacious Pathan tribesmen. The unforgettable story is told here by the Commander of this brigade, with a wealth of detail matched by depth of perception.

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