Brig Vijay Sagar Dheman
After India became independent in 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh, the erstwhile ruler of Jammu and Kashmir ,was asked to abdicate his crown and hand over power to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah by Pt Nehru . Enough evidence is available to prove the hidden conspiracy by Pt Nehru (here supported by Sardar Patel as well) in which they wanted to implant Sheikh Mohamad Abdullah for various valid/invalid, national and international reasons. Evidence also points out that it was personal enmity displayed by Pt Nehru against Maharaja because of ‘Kohala incident’. Maharaja had not allowed Pt Nehru to enter the State for law and order reasons. Pt Nehru was coming to Srinagar in favour of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who was under detention for his agitation (instigated by British) against Maharaja Hari Singh. The same can be proved by many authored accounts as well as Pt Nehru’s speech at Parade Ground Jammu available in archives of Information and Broadcasting Department.
In the last meeting i.e after dinner at Sardar Patel’s residence, Maharaja had, reportedly, asked Sardar Patel that the Nizam of Hyderabad ,who had to be subjugated with military force, was rewarded with title and honour of ‘Rajpramukh and on the other hand he is being asked to go on exile. On this Sardar Patel had replied that sometimes you have to sacrifice yourself for the nation’s sake.
Maharaja Hari Singh left for Bombay on 20 June 1949 and lived there for rest of his life till 26 April 1961. He never came back to Jammu and Kashmir himself. It was his ashes only that came back to his State to be submerged in River Tawi at Jammu. He totally gave in for the national cause which was espoused by Pt Nehru. He never even tried to influence, instigate or influence any one against the State, Pt Nehru or Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for his loss. Maharaja Hari Singh’s last words on his exile were “Only history and posterity will be able to do justice to our respective points of views”. Moreover, Maharaja was too alone at this time to put up any resistance. He had no relations, no friends, his army was already handed over to Indian Army and his son Dr Karan Singh was forced to defect to become ‘Regent’ and subsequently the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview to me, Dr Karan Singh has been able to justify his actions. He logically had explained to me on record that his actions, which may look anti his father but actually they were pro people under the circumstances prevailing at that time. I am convinced that Dr Karan Singh, a great intellectual and thinker was right in his deeds. One can refer to his weekly letters to Pt Nehru which have been published and are available in public domain.
Now,the popular notion that Jammu people did nothing to support Maharaja Hari Singh. They did not agitate to bring him back. This is far from truth. Unfortunately, the agitations launched by Jammu citizens were not allowed to succeed by the, then, administration headed by Sheikh Mohamad Abdullah and supported by Pt Nehru.
First agitation was launched by people of Jammu on the first visit of Pt Nehru as Prime Minister of India. He addressed a huge gathering at Parade Ground Jammu in 1949. His route from Satwari Airport to Parade Ground via Gumat, Raghunath Bazar, Shalamar Road was filled with people with black flags, posters asking for return of Maharaja and extensive slogan shouting(asking Pt Nehru to revert Maharaja back to the State). The crowd had people from all nearby towns and villages as well. Many had come on horsebacks, Tongas and whatever other means of transport that was available at that time. Pt Nehru candidly said in his speech (speech available in archives of Information and Broadcasting Department) that under no circumstances will Maharaja be allowed to re enter Jammu and Kashmir. How dare, did Maharaja detain him in Kohala and did not allow him to enter Jammu and Kashmir in 1946. He went on to add that ‘did Maharaja not know that Nehru was going to be the future Prime Minister of India’. His determined and powerful rant was responded by the people of Jammu by rioting. As per eyewitness accounts, the agitating people were chased by Police till Ambphalla, approximately two kms i.e end of town in northern direction. People were detained, lathi charged and situation was saved for the first Prime Minister of India
Second agitation was launched by Pt Prem Nath Dogra led ‘Praja Parishad’. This was to demand ‘Ek Rashtra, Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan’ and bring Maharaja back to the State. This was dealt with by the administration led by Shiekh sahib with iron hand which resulted in death of Dr Shama Prasad Mookherjee. Pt Prem Nath Dogra kept agitating but wings of Jammu leaders were clipped by rejecting their nominations for the constituent assembly. All 73 seats were unopposed and only two were lightly contested. Hence, no power or even voice, with Jammu leaders ,for any kind of agitation in favour of Maharaja, who was exiled.
Third incident was when the news of Maharaja Hari Singh’s passing away was broken by the All India Radio on April 26, 1961. This led Dogras of whole of Jammu region into a state of shock and confusion. This was because the Maharaja was loved across the region irrespective of religion, caste, creed and gender. The Dogras of Jammu were at a loss to understand as to where they should go for mourning. No body from the royal family was in Jammu. The Maharani was in Himachal and Yuvraj Karan Singh and his wife were on a trip to Europe . The mourners collected in front of the residence of Pandit Prem Nath Dogra of Praja Parishad. The huge waves of people got collected and marched on the streets of Jammu which became a huge funeral procession never seen before in the history of Jammu. No one from the family of Maharaja was part of this funeral procession.
The procession proceeded to the Jogi Gate, where the last rites and holy rituals were performed at the banks of River Tawi. No cooking was done in any home that day as a sign of love and respect for the Maharaja. However, the state government refused to share the sentiments of the Dogras. The offices functioned as usual. The radio station played songs and the state flag continued to flutter.
This was a great provocation which angered the populace. The demonstrating youth reacted and they marched to the Civil Secretariat and laid a siege around it. Late Prof Bhim Singh, a youth leader, climbed on top and tried to bring Jammu and Kashmir flag to half mast. He was resisted by Police but, as per eyewitness accounts; he managed to tear the Jammu and Kashmir flag into shreds. Police responded by firing at him and the agitating public. Finally, the agitation was crushed and citizens of Jammu were humbled into meek submission. The scenario continues for last seven decades plus. However, Modi Govt has given some hope and sigh of relief to Jammu people. Much needed oxygen can only come from the Govt at the centre for revival of ‘Dogra Pride’.
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