WHY INDIA NEEDS TO RECALL AND REMEMBER THE TALE OF MAQBOOL SHERWANI - THE "LION OF BARAMULLA"

"Hindu-Muslim-Sikh Itihad, Azad Hindustan Zindabad. To save my Hindu, Sikh and Muslim sisters from the brutal hands of the raiders, I sacrifice myself"

- Maqbool Sherwani

A young man from Baramulla said these words 75 years ago, and they are still being heard today. Maqbool Sherwani, a poet, political activist, and above all, a fervent nationalist, is credited with saving Kashmir from Pakistani raiders in 1947. Sherwani, who was brutally tortured before being crucified and shot, is revered as the "Lion of Baramulla."

The Centre was too late to recognize Maqbool Sherwani as a significant figure. Both the UT Administration and the Army are now fervently commemorating Maqbool Sherwani's martyrdom. The UT Administration and the Army establishment have started remembering the martyrdom of this Kashmiri lion in the recent years. Chinar Corps enthusiastically commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Shalteng triumph in 2021. Numerous Kashmiris took part in the celebrations.

The Army reenacted the conflict with the Pakistani tribal raiders on November 7, 1947 to honour this outstanding warrior who gave his life to defend the country.

*About The Battle Of Shalteng*

The Army soldiers fought bravely during this battle and were successful in forcing the Pakistani tribal invaders from Kashmir to leave. These tribal raiders committed terrible murders and looting in the Uri and Baramulla sectors as well as the northern flank of Srinagar before the Army could step in and stop them. Several hundred Kashmiris were ruthlessly murdered. There were many cases of women being violated. The local populace was helping the Army establish its victory at the Battle of Shalteng. The slogan yelled throughout those weeks would be mentioned by old timers - "Hamlawar khabardar, hum Kashmiri hein tayar".

Maqbool Sherwani of Kashmir immortalised himself at this time in the records of the Indian Army's triumphs. The Pakhtoon tribesmen from Pakistan asked Sherwani for directions to the Srinagar airport, according to history. He led them to the wrong direction. This bought the Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army precious time to prepare for the attack on the tribesman and win the conflict. Later, the tribesmen assassinated Sherwani violently in retaliation.

Sherwani should have been the hero that future generations of Indians and Kashmiris idolised, hence his martyrdom is significant.

Young nationalist Maqbool Sherwani was a part of the National Conference. Indians living on the mainland should all be familiar with Maqbool Sherwani. Pakistan misinformed and misled us. We were taken advantage of by Pakistan for many years in the name of religion. For a very long time, the separatist agenda's single-story prism has been used to see Kashmir. Only the state's dark and negative elements have received national and international attention. There is a pattern that has been accepted whereby Kashmiris are described through the lenses of estrangement, separatism, and militancy.

It is now high time for martyrs like Sherwani to be recognised and included in the annals of history. It is necessary to convey to mainland India the depth of his allegiance and dedication to the homeland.

Soldiers aren't limited to those who fight in border conflicts. Soldiers are also individuals who continue to live their normal civilian lives while defending the honour and integrity of the country. We must be motivated by Maqbool Sherwani. He must also motivate our people.

Maqbool Sherwani is now starting to become revered in India. His heroic and valiant journey has been told. It is appropriate that Maqbool Sherwani continues to serve as a source of inspiration for Indians across the nation, both young and old, not just for Kashmiris. Sherwani is the living example of these ideals today when we talk about secularism and togetherness, and his spirit should be emulated by the rest of the nation.