LEGACY OF MUJAHID BAKHTAWAR SHAH

By Syed Shams Uddin A highly impactful and engaging discussion aired on the social media platform "Gilgit-Baltistan Nexus," Part I, on October 26, 2024, shedding light on the life and legacy of the legendary hero, Bakhtawar Shah. This broadcast serves as a poignant reminder of the recognition bestowed upon Bakhtawar Shah by none other than Colonel Hassan Khan, the Great Revolutionary Commander, who issued a high commendation certificate on December 10, 1947. This commendation was an acknowledgment of Bakhtawar Shah's invaluable acts of courage and extraordinary feats during the critical period of the region's history. The contents of the handwritten certificate, which is included as page 428 in Manzoom Ali's book Karakoram Hindukush, express a formal and authoritative recognition of Bakhtawar Shah's bravery. This discussion not only brings to the forefront the often-overlooked contributions of Bakhtawar Shah but also highlights the broader struggle for freedom and autonomy in Gilgit-Baltistan during that time. It emphasizes the need to preserve the stories of such heroes who played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the region, ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The certificate stands as a testament to Bakhtawar Shah's gallantry, and this dialogue serves to rekindle respect for those who laid the foundation for the present-day security and identity of Gilgit-Baltistan. The public discourse sparked by this broadcast underlines the importance of historical recognition and appreciation for figures like Bakhtawar Shah, whose courage and commitment remain a source of inspiration for the people of the region: “The text reads as follows: "Certified that in November 1947, Mujahid Bakhtawar Shah of Haramosh was summoned by me at my HQs at Bunji to proceed on …. Special duty in the region of Iskardu and Rondu. The enemy was making preparations at that time to invade Gilgit Agency from the East and Indian concentration were then taking place. In the absence of any other reliable source to bring the firsthand information, I had this person to depend upon for this risky and hazardous task because he had already once proved his loyalty to us and our organization. I must confess that he took ….. secret correspondence to Raja Mohd Ali of Rondu and pave the way for out advance towards that direction after my letters had created a good understanding with Mohd Ali. When in …. 1947, …. dispatched towards Ladakh, all assistance to the force was available from that quarter in consequence according to the understood program. I was but duty-bound then to promise a reward for him from the Bunji Military Farm in appreciation of his services. This was however, not fulfilled then due to my own engagements in preparation for advances towards south via Burzil. I earnestly hope that … circumstances however pressing ill not come in way of his getting a befitting reward for his exceptional services. Sd/- Hassan Khan Lt Col Dated 10.12.1947” The above may be rewritten as follows: “The commendatory note issued by the Supreme Commander of the Azad Force in November 1947 reads as follows to facilitate the reader: "In November 1947, I summoned Mujahid Bakhtawar Shah of Haramosh to my Headquarters at Bunji for a special mission in the regions of Skardu and Rondu. At that time, the enemy was preparing to invade the Gilgit Agency from the East, with Indian forces beginning to concentrate in the area. In the absence of any other reliable source for firsthand intelligence, I had no one else to depend on for this dangerous and hazardous task but him, as he had already proven his loyalty to us and our organization on a prior occasion. I must acknowledge that he undertook the perilous assignment of delivering secret correspondence to Raja Mohammad Ali of Rondu. His successful mission paved the way for our subsequent advance in that direction, as my letters helped establish a solid understanding with Raja Mohammad Ali. When, later in 1947, our forces were dispatched towards Ladakh, all necessary support was readily available from that quarter, in accordance with the prearranged plan. I felt duty-bound to promise a reward for Bakhtawar Shah from the Bunji Military Farm as a token of appreciation for his remarkable services. Unfortunately, this promise was not fulfilled at the time, owing to my pressing engagements in preparing for advances towards the south via the Burzil Pass. However, I earnestly hope that no future circumstances, however demanding, will stand in the way of granting him a befitting reward for his exceptional contributions to our cause." The achievements resulting from Bakhtawar Shah's exceptional service during the struggle for Gilgit-Baltistan's freedom are profoundly significant. Colonel Hassan Khan, in his reflections on page 423 of Karakoram Hindukush, highlights the extraordinary nature of Bakhtawar's gallantry: "Bakhtawar Shah single-handedly performed acts of bravery by securing the surrender of armed Sikh deserters without any external assistance." His success extended beyond mere surrender, as he also presented a substantial cache of arms and ammunition to the Azad Camp in Bunji, including 36 rifles, five Sten guns, two revolvers, three telescopes, 24-inch mortars, and an astonishing 9,032 rounds of ammunition. Bakhtawar Shah’s valor did not go unnoticed. In the book Kashmir Campaign, he is rightfully acknowledged as the "Hero of Rondu," a title that embodies the courage and dedication he displayed.And significantly, the role of the Raja of Rondu Raja Muhammad Ali Khan as well,for his paving way for the launching the grand offesive on Skardu garrison and so on Baltistan to stamp out the enemy forces cannot be overstated. Syed Shamshad Hussain Sahar's Rong Yul, on page 161, provides further insight into Bakhtawar's heroic exploits, narrating how he carried out his mission under the orders of the Azad Force Commander at Bunji, Colonel Hassan Khan. It also touches upon the correspondence between Raja Mohammad Ali Khan of Rondu and Colonel Hassan Khan, further emphasizing the strategic and coordinated efforts during that turbulent period. It also brings forth the invaluable services of the Raja whose generous assistance helped open the gateway to Baltistan for the Azad Force. Colonel Hassan Khan himself, a distinguished military officer with a background as a graduate of the Military Academy in Dehradun, brought his battle-hardened experience from World War II’s Burma Front to the liberation struggle. He earned the Military Cross (MC), solidifying his reputation as a military tactician and leader who significantly shaped the course of the region’s history. The unwavering loyalty and patriotism of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan during this critical time cannot be overstated. Their dedication to the cause of Pakistan’s freedom was fueled by a steadfast belief in the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This loyalty has persisted, demonstrating that the spirit of devotion and sacrifice exhibited by individuals like Bakhtawar Shah and Colonel Hassan Khan continues to inspire generations in the region. In recounting these stories of bravery and triumph, it is crucial to honor the courage and resilience of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, whose commitment helped lay the foundation for the region’s integration into Pakistan. The legacy of figures like Bakhtawar Shah should be celebrated as a testament to their role in shaping the history of the region and their enduring contribution to the freedom struggle. The unwavering commitment of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to their ideals stands beyond reproach, and their loyalty must never be underestimated or discredited. This enduring fidelity is evident in the zeal and dedication demonstrated by figures like Mujahid Bakhtawar Shah, whose actions exemplify the region's spirit of resistance and self-determination. The grand Gilgit Revolution, which began on November 1, 1947, and culminated in the independence of Baltistan on August 14, 1948, serves as a powerful testament to the tenacity, resilience, and iron will of the local people, who remained steadfast in their pursuit of freedom despite the many challenges and shifting governance structures they faced. To attribute this momentous and purely indigenous struggle to any external or foreign leadership is a gross distortion of historical facts. The liberation movement was not the product of outside influences, but rather the result of the courage and strategic acumen of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan themselves as a result of the grand struggle waged by Quaid Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah which was the zeitgeist of the time. Their fight for independence was driven by an authentic and deep-rooted desire for self-governance and freedom, inspired by a strong belief in the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the vision of a unified Pakistan. It is essential to recognize the indigenous nature of this landmark struggle, which was marked by the heroic sacrifices and determined efforts of local heroes like Bakhtawar Shah. The people of the region resolved to shape their own destiny through sheer determination and self-reliance, securing their place in history as key architects of their own liberation by their integration with the new-born Pakistan. Any attempt to ascribe this historic achievement to outside forces undermines the genuine patriotism and agency of those who fought for their homeland's freedom. The legacy of the Gilgit Revolution remains a symbol of the unyielding resolve of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, whose loyalty to their ideals and commitment to the cause of Pakistan continue to resonate. Their struggle serves not only as a chapter in history but as a living example of the power of collective will and the enduring spirit of a people determined to forge their own path.