As the events unfolded after the great divide of sub-continent, the maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh was forced by the locals of Jammu and Kashmir state,to flee from the capital by waging an arm struggle. These veterans of world war II established a provisional revolutionary government under the leadership of local barrister, Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan on 24th day of October 1947.
The revolutionary administration later known as “Azad (free) Government of State of Jammu and Kashmir”, in its first declaration extended goodwill towards neighboring dominions India and Pakistan and hoped that both dominions would sympathize with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will help them to exercise their birth right of political freedom.
Furthermore, the text of the announcement suggested that the said government had liberated the large portion of the state from the Dogra ruler (i.e., now Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir region), and will work for liberating the other part (now known as occupied Kashmir). It proclaimed itself as the representative of the whole state of Jammu and Kashmir as its head (Sardar Ibrahim) was the elected member from united Poonch area and had also remained nominated chief whip in Prajha Sabha (Maharaja’s Assembly) by Muslim Conference, the first organized political party formed in the state and at that time occupying 16/21 seats in the Prajha Sabha.
The backing of Muslim conference had legitimized the will of the people and the first cabinet of the government consisted of important ministerial positions of defense and finance minister along with other cabinet members. The text also mentioned Azad government of state of Jammu and Kashmir as a non-communal government which meant the inclusion of the minorities in its cabinet. The document also reads as, the government will make the necessary arrangements to have a referendum so that free will of the people could be known and independent observers may be invited for this purpose. In addition, the proclamation stated that, “The provisional government is further anxious to safeguard the identity of Jammu and Kashmir as political entity.”
It may be worthy to mention that when this declaration was acknowledged, the Azad government had 30000 indigenous military men backing it known as “Azad Forces”. These forces became a source of contention between India and Pakistan later at UN which asked Pakistan to completely withdraw its forces and India to withdraw in bulks. India refused by demanding the disbarment of the Azad troops in Azad Jammu and Kashmir region which was outrightly negated by UNCIP in these words in a letter written to prime minister of India on 17 Aug, 1948 as, “… pointed out that limited government of India forces would remain, and that, on the other side, only the Azad people will remain in their position.” Likewise, UNCIP also did recognize the indirect de facto status of the Azad government of state of Jammu and Kashmir by referring it as “local authority”. It mentioned that the local authority will have “full political and administrative control”.
The Azad government of state of Jammu and Kashmir’s significance lies with the reinstatement of the first declaration made on 24 oct, 1947. The policy makers must comprehend the burden of their responsibilities as tens of thousands of people have sacrificed for the cause
Simultaneously, another government was formed in Gilgit Baltistan region set up by the locals of the area on 1st Nov, 1947 which didn’t last for more than 16 days and gave its political control to political agent of Pakistan. Resultantly, the only government which represented the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir state, at highest international diplomatic forum as of United Nations was the Azad government of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Sardar Ibrahim, being its head, pleaded the case in front of the world media in the United Nations press gallery as president of the Azad government. He urged UN, to be heard as representative of the people of J&K. On the other hand, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, president of National Conference, hailed from occupied Kashmir as the minister in the so called “Jammu & Kashmir” government. The “revolutionary” Azad government of state of Jammu & Kashmir had also signed “Karachi agreement” in April 1949 with government of Pakistan defining rules of business between two parties in accordance to the directions of truce agreement of 1948 of UN, reclaiming the territory of GB as part of state of Jammu and Kashmir which is valid till date.
As the time passed, the political developments nationally, internationally and locally changed the dynamics of Kashmir conflict, but it still lingers on. Claiming itself as a base camp for liberation struggle of occupied Kashmir, this Azad government has a larger role to play. Unfortunately, the constitutional and structural problems along with the incompetency of the representatives in government of AJK has led it to the “race camp” of local power politics instead of being base camp for the liberation of occupied Kashmir.
As of now, after the change in the articles of Indian constitution situation has become more critical. It is one of the objectives of the Azad government to safeguard the identity of J&K state as political entity as per its first proclamation. 70 days of curfew have passed, and people of occupied Kashmir are looking to Pakistan and the people of base camp. Unfortunately, not much has been done by the base camp government. Lack of vision and leadership is evident. The unrest in people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has resulted into two long sit-ins just few miles away from cease fire line.
The said administration should understand the weight of responsibility that it bears upon its shoulders. It should have deliberated over the issue seriously with the policy makers in Pakistan and should have led a unanimous consolidated program showing solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir. Prime minister and his cabinet members along with all political parties of AJK should have led the political process and demonstrations in all important capitals of the world. It should have been effectively advocating for the inhumane curfew to be lifted immediately. Likewise, Pakistan has been advocating Kashmir cause now for 7 decades. The recent developments in the occupied region has once again internationalized the Kashmir dispute so it is the right time for Pakistan to recognize the Azad government as per its first declaration with maximum possible autonomy so that a clear message could be sent across international community that Pakistan still holds the moral high ground for the struggle of Kashmir. Concerns of people of GB must also be addressed else increasing resentment against structural and administrative problems in AJK and GB are likely to harm the relation between people of State of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan.
Consequently, the Azad government of state of Jammu and Kashmir’s significance lies with the reinstatement of the first declaration made on 24 oct, 1947. The policy makers mustcomprehend the burden of their responsibilities as tens of thousands of people have sacrificed for the cause. Kashmiris are facing a tough challenge in the history,but their valor and resentment is no doubt unmatchable! May Allah help them.
The writer is an International Relations, PhD scholar at Selcuk University, Turkey