PAYING FITTING TRIBUTES TO THE 1ST MARTYR OF THE GILGIT REVOLUTION

By Syed Shams Uddin UNDENIABLY, the gallant and unwavering struggle courageous individuals demands to be highlighted with due recognition, both regionally and nationally, through an enduring and monumental commemoration of their heroic deeds in the federal and provincial capitals. Such recognition would not only honor their extraordinary sacrifices but also inspire future generations to revere the legacy of their resilience and patriotism. In a poignant tribute to the unparalleled sacrifice made by Amir Hayat of the renowned Gilgit Scouts—the first martyr of the glorious Gilgit-Baltistan Freedom Struggle—esteemed journalist Manzar Shigri expressed deep sorrow in his article titled The First Martyr of the War of Liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan, published in Daily K2 on November 1, 2019. Shigri lamented the neglect of this iconic martyr’s final resting place, situated outside the Chinar Bagh in Gilgit - a neighborhood called Haiderpura, by the banks of the Gilgit River. What deepens the lamentable state of Amir Hayat's burial site is the sheer difficulty of accessing it. Anyone wishing to pay respects is forced to scramble up the River View Road along the Gilgit River—a path that could easily have been made more accessible by simply constructing a set of stairs. This small yet meaningful gesture would have enabled convenient access, allowing visitors to approach with dignity and ease. The absence of even this basic infrastructure underscores the neglect surrounding this sacred site, a place that should reflect reverence, not disregard, for the first martyr who gave his life for Gilgit-Baltistan's freedom. Each year, on Gilgit-Baltistan’s Liberation Day, grand ceremonies are conducted with great fanfare at the Yadgar-e-Shuhda at Chinar Bagh, honoring those who sacrificed for the region's freedom. However, as the report reveals, these commemorations glaringly overlook the resting place of Amir Hayat, the very first martyr of the Gilgit Revolution. Despite his pivotal role, no tributes are paid at his burial site—a profound omission that casts a shadow over the otherwise solemn observance of this historic day. This neglect of a foundational figure in the liberation movement highlights a troubling gap in the reverence shown toward Gilgit-Baltistan’s earliest heroes. This brave warrior, who hailed from the historic locality of Ganish in Hunza, joined the Gilgit Scouts in 1940, dedicating himself fully to the defense of his homeland. His selfless courage and ultimate sacrifice in the liberation struggle embody the spirit of Gilgit-Baltistan’s quest for freedom, a spirit that must be immortalized and revered. The neglect of Amir Hayat’s resting place, despite his pivotal role in the liberation, underscores the urgent need for national recognition of his legacy. Erecting a lasting memorial in honor of Amir Hayat and other heroes of the freedom struggle in prominent places would serve as a fitting tribute to their bravery and ensure that their sacrifices are forever enshrined in the nation’s memory. When the historic siege of the Governor House in Gilgit was led by the Gilgit Scouts, under the command of Raja Ghazi Muhammad Bar Khan, Amir Hayat stood courageously at the forefront. In the early hours of November 1, 1947, as Governor Ghansara Singh made a desperate attempt to defend his position, he fired upon the advancing Scouts, and Amir Hayat fell, marking his martyrdom as the first life sacrificed for the liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the writer, this fallen hero—buried in a neglected spot at Haiderpura, close to the Gilgit River and barely a few meters away from Chinar Bagh—has yet to receive the honor he rightfully deserves. Despite the grand annual celebrations and solemnities on November 1, which commemorate Gilgit-Baltistan’s liberation, Amir Hayat’s grave remains untended, devoid of visits or tributes from officials who should, on this day, be there to honor his unparalleled sacrifice. Justice demands a fitting memorial at the final resting place of this first martyr, one that resonates with the reverence his heroism commands. His burial site deserves to be dignified with a majestic and permanent monument, honoring his role in this liberation. On every November 1, a formal commemoration at his grave too, would pay him the tributes he deserves and immortalize his valor in the hearts of all who celebrate Gilgit-Baltistan’s journey to freedom. In addition to the much-needed dignified memorial, justice also calls for honoring Shaheed Amir Hayat’s family with due recognition, as a mark of respect for the profound sacrifice he made. In my own article, Icons on the Pantheon of Gilgit-Baltistan, published on my website windowtogb.com on November 5, 2020, I referenced the powerful reflections of esteemed journalist Manzar Shigri. He highlighted the regrettable neglect of Amir Hayat's burial site, which remains in a desolate state despite his sacrifice for the region's liberation. Today, Shigri once again visited the martyr’s resting place at Haiderpura and interviewed Amir Hayat's grandson, the son of his only daughter. It is deeply unfortunate that this sacred site remains overlooked, with no official attention or tributes paid. This ongoing neglect stands as a sad reflection on the remembrance of those who laid down their lives to secure the future of Gilgit-Baltistan. We observe that the Army Public School has been named Hayat Shaheed, in honor of the first martyr, Amir Hayat Shaheed, at the site of the former garrison of the legendary Gilgit Scouts, located behind the current NLI Market in Gilgit. However, it is imperative that the resting place of this great martyr be appropriately memorialized to immortalize his unparalleled service and sacrifice.