Category Archives: Martyrs of the Nation

‘Jo laut ke ghar na aaye…’ Naik Abid’s last call

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Moh-Kazi Sarai (Hardoi), UTTAR PRADESH :

The last conversation between Kargil hero Naik Abid Khan and his wife Firdaus Begum was a poignant one.

“It was the morning of June 30, 1999, when my telephone rang .

I received the call, and on the other side, my husband Naik Abid Khan said, ‘Apna aur bachchon ka dhyan rakhna, mera wapas aana mushkil hai. Maine poochha aisa kyu bol rahe hain to wo bole mushkil hai aur duaa karna mere liye aur meri battalion ke liye’ (Take care of yourself and the children, it is difficult for me to come back.

When I asked why are you saying this, he replied it would be difficult to return and asked me to pray for his battalion).”

On July 5, 1999, two soldiers arrived at Firdaus Begum’s house and spoke to her father and father-in-law. Her father informed her that Abid’s leg was fractured, but she intuited that had it been merely a fracture, the army soldiers would not have come to inform them personally. Her worst fears came true when she was informed that her husband had been killed in action.

Sena Medal awardee Naik Abid Khan, a native of Moh-Kazi Sarai in Hardoi, was born on May 6, 1972.

After completing his early education, he joined the army on Aug 4, 988, at the tender age of 17. He was inducted into the 22 Grenadiers Battalion of the illustrious Grenadiers Regiment.

“Three months before Operation Vijay, he had come home on leave for 8-10 days during Bakrid. When he was leaving, he asked me to accompany him to the railway station to see him off, but I refused saying that I always feel very sad when he leaves and that I would have to return home from the station alone. I regret I didn’t go to see him off.”

“I was pregnant and had the responsibility of two daughters and a son. At that time, my elder daughter was seven, my son was five, and the youngest daughter was just two. Abid’s posting was in Hyderabad, but he was sent to Kargil. Twenty- five years have passed, but his uniform and one of his diaries still provides me the strength to live. On the last page of his diary, there are names of the soldiers from his battalion and all of them were killed in action,” she said.

During Kargil War, Abid was first shot in the leg, but he climbed the hill and fired indiscriminately at Pakistani bunkers, killing 17 enemy soldiers before succumbing to a second bullet that struck his neck.

In June-July 1999, Naik Abid’s unit was deployed in Batalik sector of Ladakh as part of Operation Vijay. The unit was functioning under the command of the 70 Infantry Brigade, with overall control being exercised by the 3 Infantry Division. The attack began on the night of June 30. Abid and his comrades led by Major Ajit Singh Shekhawat, managed to reach the objective but were counter-attacked by the enemy.

Heavily outnumbered, the Grenadiers fought continuously for three nights, inching forward, unmindful of the losses. The Pakistanis became impatient over Naik Abid Khan and his comrades’ resilience and asked their artillery to redouble the barrage. The fighting continued at an elevation of thousands of feet, amidst heavily fortified bunkers equipped with artillery and automatic weapons. The battle of Khalubar culminated in its capture.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> India News / by Fazal Khan, TNN / July 31st, 2024

A Compelling Narrative of 1948 Police Action in Hyderabad

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Martyrs of the Nation, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad, known for its grandeur and the unique confluence of Hindu-Muslim culture, found itself at a crossroads of political and religious tensions. Afsar Mohammad sheds light on the brutal military campaign, where the ordinary citizens of Hyderabad became casualties in a political power play between the Nizam and the Indian government. The book emphasizes that…

Book: Remaking History: 1948 Police Action and the Muslims of Hyderabad

Author: Afsar Mohammad / Publisher: Cambridge University Press / Published:June 2023 /Hardcover‏:‎ 320 pages

Afsar Mohammad, a renowned poet, scholar, and expert on South Asian literary cultures, brings forth a deeply researched and compelling narrative in his book Remaking History: 1948 Police Action and the Muslims of Hyderabad. As a professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Afsar has extensively studied the intersection of politics, religion, and literature in the Indian subcontinent. His previous works have explored themes of religious identity and cultural expression in the context of Hyderabad. With Remaking History, he delves into one of the most tragic and often overlooked episodes in India’s postcolonial history – the 1948 police action in Hyderabad.

The book addresses the military operation launched by the Indian government from September 14 to 18, 1948, to forcibly integrate the princely state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. As India was celebrating its newfound independence, the state of Hyderabad was caught in a violent struggle. The operation, commonly referred to as the “police action,” resulted in immense bloodshed, with the Muslim population of Hyderabad suffering disproportionately.

Hyderabad, known for its grandeur and the unique confluence of Hindu-Muslim culture, found itself at a crossroads of political and religious tensions. Afsar Mohammad sheds light on the brutal military campaign, where the ordinary citizens of Hyderabad became casualties in a political power play between the Nizam and the Indian government. The book emphasizes that while the Razakars, a military group loyal to the Nizam, escaped across borders, it was the common Muslims of Hyderabad who bore the brunt of the violence that followed the military intervention. Thousands of lives were lost, and many more were displaced during the five days of turmoil.

One of the pivotal aspects of the book is its reliance on the Sunderlal Committee Report, an investigation commissioned by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in the immediate aftermath of the operation. This committee traveled across Hyderabad and the Deccan region, gathering firsthand testimonies from survivors. The report revealed shocking truths: thousands of Muslims were massacred during the police action, and the violence forced many others to flee to Pakistan and other countries. However, the report was suppressed for decades under the guise of “national security,” only surfacing in recent years thanks to the persistent efforts of historians. This suppression of critical historical evidence is a central theme of the book, as Afsar Mohammad argues that official narratives have long ignored or downplayed the extent of the violence.

In addition to exposing the atrocities committed, Remaking History explores how this dark period shaped the literary and cultural landscapes of postcolonial Hyderabad. The traumatic events of 1948 found their way into novels, poems, memoirs, and personal narratives written by survivors and their descendants. Afsar Mohammad highlights how literature became a means for the people of Hyderabad to process their grief, remember their dead, and make sense of the immense suffering they endured. The book documents the ways in which Hyderabad’s writers and poets used their work to preserve the memory of the police action, even as the official narrative sought to erase or obscure these painful truths.

Afsar Mohammad also critically examines the political reframing of the police action in later years. In 1998, L.K. Advani, a key figure in India’s Hindutva movement, proclaimed the police action as a “liberation” of Hyderabad, casting it as a moment of triumph rather than tragedy. This reinterpretation of history, the book argues, was part of a larger effort to further a communal agenda, obscuring the fact that the violence was largely directed at Muslims. Afsar Mohammad challenges readers to question whether the police action was truly a moment of liberation, or if it was a tool used to suppress the region’s Muslim population and further political interests.

One of the most striking aspects of Remaking History is the emphasis on the role of personal stories in reconstructing the past. Afsar Mohammad stresses that official documents and reports can only go so far in revealing the full picture. The true history, he argues, is often found in the personal memoirs, oral histories, and forgotten novels of those who lived through these events. Many of the eyewitnesses and survivors of the 1948 police action are no longer alive, their stories lost to time. However, the book insists that these personal accounts are essential to understanding the true scope of the violence and its lasting impact on Hyderabad.

The book also highlights the lasting cultural and social shifts that emerged from the violence. Despite the bloodshed, Hyderabad’s centuries-old legacy of Hindu-Muslim unity endured, and the city’s cultural landscape continued to evolve. In the years following the police action, a wave of literary and artistic movements arose, particularly in the Telangana region, shaping the social and cultural identity of Hyderabad for generations to come.

Afsar Mohammad’s Remaking History is a crucial work that brings much-needed attention to a neglected chapter in India’s postcolonial history. It challenges the sanitized narratives of Indian nationalism and raises important questions about the consequences of political violence. By combining rigorous historical research with a deep understanding of Hyderabad’s literary cultures, Afsar Mohammad presents a nuanced and powerful account of the 1948 police action and its aftermath. The book serves as both a historical investigation and a tribute to the resilience of Hyderabad’s people and culture in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Remaking History is an essential contribution to the historiography of postcolonial India. It calls on readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and reflects on how history is often manipulated to serve political agendas. Afsar Mohammad’s work is a timely reminder that the trauma of violence and suppression should not be forgotten, but instead, recognized and remembered in its entirety, for the sake of future generations.

source: http://www.radianceweekly.com / Radiance Viewsweekly / Home> Book Review / by Ayesha Sultana / September 24th, 2024

Daria Daulat Bagh – an Incredible Painted Palace

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), Travel & Tourism

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

India has one of the greatest traditions of paintings on walls. Called murals or frescos, we see a high level of technical excellence, grace and sublime beauty among Indian murals right from the time of Ajanta.

In 1335 AD, the remarkable city of Vijayanagar or the ‘city of victory’ was established in south-central Karnataka. In no time, the city and the empire became a fertile ground for creativity, thanks to the patronage of its powerful King Krishnadeva Rai. A remarkable style of painting evolved with ideas merging from Deccan, Cholas of Tamil Nadu and Jain tradition. When the Vijayanagar Empire collapsed after the battle of Talikota in mid-16th century many of state artists moved to Serirangapatna, a pristine and sacred land surrounded by Cauvery River on all sides. Here they thrived under the royal patronage of the Mysuru Wodeyers. In 1761 AD, the island became the seat of power of Haider Ali Saheb. He and his son Tipu Sulatan established Mysuru as a vibrant Sultanate and continued to patronage the artisan of Vijayanagar ancestry.

Daria Daulat Bagh is a palace situated in the island near the village Ganjam at Seringapatna. The village is set amidst beautiful gardens. It was built by Tipu Sultan in 1784 as his summer palace.

Built entirely out of teakwood, the architecture of the palace shows remarkable fusion of Deccani, Persian and Rajput styles. The most stunning feature of the palace is that all the space available on the walls, pillars, jharokas and arches have colourful fresco work in the style of Vijayanagar-Mysuru paintings.

On the western wall right to the entrance is depicted the battle scene of second Anglo-Mysore war or the battle of Pollilur. The battle had been fought between Haider-Tipu and the British forces, in which Haider and Tipu combated splendidly and won.

The paintings executed by the artists at the instance of Tipu Sultan where primary aim was to glorify their victory over the British. Colonel Bailley, the defeated British officer was taken to Serirangapatna after his defeat. The battle mural is seen in four different panels portraying Tipu and Haider marching in procession towards Pollilur near Kanchipuram. Tipu is depicted in all finery, himself leading the army towards Pollilur riding a beautiful white horse. Baillie sits in a palanquin as he is wounded and biting his pointing figure – a gesture employed by many to signify defeat in dismay.

The climax of the battle scene depict Baillie’s defeat giving special prominence to the explosion of tumbril and to the consternation of the British square colonel.

On the eastern part of the building there are a number of small frames containing figural motifs, architecture in brilliant composition. The most special is the one where the queen is seen seated on a carpet smoking a hookah. Some of the layouts strongly resemble Rajasthani miniature. The other panels illustrate incidents in the lives of princes, rulers and grandees of Tipu’s contemporary and also includes several rajas defeated by him. There are also neighbouring nawabs and kings including the Hindu Rani of Chittore, Rajas of Tanjore, Benaras, and Balajirao Peshwa II.

Come, lets discover the murals of Daria Daulat Bagh and appreciate the legacy of Tipu Sulatan, a brave son of the soil and perhaps one of the earliest freedom fighters.

YOUTUBE

source: http://www.blogvirasatehind.wordpress.com / September 26th, 2016

PCI announces Moulvi Muhammad Baqir Award to honour journalists for exemplary work

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NEW DELHI :

PCI President Gautam Lahiri addressing the gathering

In a significant move, the Press Council of India (PCI) has announced the institution of the Molvi Baqar Award to recognize and honour three outstanding journalists from the Urdu, Hindi, and English media every year.

PCI President Gautam Lahiri revealed this during an event commemorating the life and contributions of Molvi Muhammad Baqar, a pioneering figure in Indian journalism and the first journalist to be martyred during the 1857 Indian Rebellion.

“The criteria for this award will be to encourage journalists to follow in the footsteps of Molvi Baqar, who made the ultimate sacrifice while covering the events related to the 1857 ‘Mutiny’ through his newspaper, Delhi Urdu Akhbar,” said Lahiri in his presidential address. He added that PCI would soon finalize the modalities and constitute a jury to select the awardees.

The event, which focused on “The Life and Times of Moulvi Muhammad Baqir ,” highlighted his role as a patriotic journalist who played a key part in preparing the ground for India’s freedom. Historian and author Dr. Swapna Liddle, the Chief Guest at the event, praised Baqar’s commitment to the nation’s cause, despite the controversies surrounding his role.

“Some confusion exists due to the views of his son, Mohammad Hussain Azad, a renowned Urdu literary figure, who appeared to have taken a contrary position to his father. However, this must be understood in the context of the reign of terror during that time,” said Dr. Liddle, clarifying that Azad’s actions were likely influenced by the pressures of British rule.

Shoib Raza Fatmi, Editor of Hamara Samaj, reinforced this perspective by noting that Azad’s name frequently appeared in Delhi Urdu Akhbar as Editor, Printer, and Publisher, indicating his involvement in his father’s journalistic mission despite the difficult circumstances.

The program also featured a panel discussion moderated by Mahtab Alam, where young Urdu journalists discussed the relevance of Molvi Baqar’s journalism in today’s media landscape. Munazah Shah of News 18 pointed out the striking similarities between the challenges faced by Baqar in his time and those confronting the Urdu media today, particularly financial pressures and the need to foster communal harmony.

“The challenges faced by Molvi Baqar and today’s Urdu media are not very different. We should look to him as a role model for overcoming these obstacles,” said Sohail Akhtar Qasmi of Al Jazeera Arabic.

Tasleem Raja, a journalist with Siyasi Taqdeer and Qaumi Awaaz, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how much contemporary media could learn from Baqar’s work in covering sensitive and complex issues.

A.U. Asif, a senior PCI member who was instrumental in connecting the Urdu media with PCI initiatives, lauded Molvi Baqar’s pioneering work in investigative journalism. “Molvi Baqar was one of the first to practice on-the-spot reporting and investigative journalism between 1837 and 1857 through his newspaper Delhi Urdu Akhbar, a practice that is now common in today’s media,” said Asif. He congratulated the PCI for unveiling Molvi Baqar’s portrait in its central conference hall, a tribute to his lasting legacy.

The event, organized to mark the martyrdom of Molvi Baqar on September 16, was held a day earlier this year due to the coinciding celebration of the Prophet’s birth anniversary. A large number of journalists attended, and the program concluded with a question-and-answer session.

The institution of the Molvi Baqar Award is seen as a step toward encouraging journalists to adhere to principles of courage and integrity in their work, much like the pioneering figure it honors.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Media> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Desk / September 16th, 2024

Rajasthan’s Major Mustafa Bohara Honoured With Shaurya Chakra Posthumously

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Kheroda Village (Udaipur District), RAJASTHAN :

(Photo: X/@rashtrapatibhvn)

New Delhi :

Major Mustafa Bohara, an esteemed officer of the Indian Army Aviation Corps, was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra at a solemn ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 5, 2024. President Draupadi Murmu presented the prestigious award to Major Mustafa’s grieving parents, Fatima and Zakiuddin Bohara, recognizing their son’s exceptional courage and sacrifice.

Major Mustafa Bohara SC / pix: honourpoint.in

Born on May 14, 1995, in Kheroda village, Udaipur district, Rajasthan, Major Mustafa Bohara’s journey was defined by unwavering dedication to his country. Educated at Uday Shiksha Mandir Higher Secondary School in Kheroda and later at St. Paul’s School in Udaipur, he harboured a childhood dream of serving in the armed forces. His ambition led him to the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he excelled in the 128th course and was part of the distinguished November Squadron. Graduating from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, he was commissioned as a lieutenant before specializing as a helicopter pilot in the Army Aviation Corps.

Major Mustafa’s mother, Fatima Bohara, spoke with both pride and sorrow, saying, “Martyrdom is not just a word but a true testament. Mustafa always aimed for excellence and believed in swiftly moving forward towards success.”

On October 21, 2022, Major Mustafa and Major Vikas Bhambhu, alongside three crew members, undertook a mission in Arunachal Pradesh’s challenging terrain. Unfortunately, their helicopter encountered an emergency near Mugung in Upper Siang district, known for its hostile weather and difficult conditions. Despite their extensive training and experience, the helicopter caught fire, compelling Major Mustafa and Major Vikas to manoeuvre the aircraft away from populated areas and ammunition depots. Their valiant effort to land safely ended tragically at 10:43 am, claiming their lives.m,

The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, honoured both Major Mustafa and Major Vikas Bhambhu with the Shaurya Chakra. Their exemplary bravery in the face of grave danger was acknowledged, underscoring their selfless dedication to duty.

Deputy Secretary of the Shaheed Major Mustafa Trust, Virender Singh Solanki, announced that Major Mustafa’s family would return to Udaipur on July 7, 2024. They will receive a heartfelt welcome at Dabok Airport from Vallabhnagar MLA Uday Lal Dangi, political dignitaries, members of the Bohra community, and various social and religious organizations.

Major Mustafa Bohara’s legacy remains an enduring symbol of courage, dedication, and sacrifice. His heroic actions serve as a profound inspiration, embodying the unwavering spirit of India’s armed forces.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick / by Mohammad Alamullah, Clarion India / pix source: replaced with (Photo: X/@rashtrapatibhvn) (2) pix added source: honourpoint.in / July 07th, 2024

Lest We Forget Kargil War Hero Vir Chakra Captain Haneefuddin!

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NEW DELHI :

Pakistan’s misadventure in Kargil will be remembered not only for the convincing win of the brave Indian army but also for some of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for our dear motherland. Prominent among those heroes was a 25-year young Captain Haneefuddin of 11 Rajputana Rifles who led from the front and made the ultimate sacrifice. Martyr Vir Chakra Captain Haneefuddin had to be from the Dilwalon ki Dilli! Truly, he had a large heart for he volunteered to command an operation to capture a post which would give a vantage position to observe the enemy’s movements.

It was quite early days of Kargil war when there was hardly any information available about the enemy troops. A company of 11 Rajputana Rifles was deployed in Operation Thunderbolt on June 6th, 1999 led by Captain Haneefuddin. It was at an altitude of 18,000 feet in the Turtuk region. The Mission: To capture a position in the region which would facilitate the Indian army to monitor the movements of the enemy troops better. The capture of this position would give the troops a strategic advantage in those early stages of the war. Captain Haneef volunteered for this Operation Thunderbolt as it was his ingrained in his nature to lead from the front. He set off for the vital operation with one junior commissioned officer and three other ranks. They made significant strides on the nights of 4th and 5th June 1999. They captured nearby positions. They captured the adjacent position and set out their advance on 6th June 1999 to capture the position they desired. They were undaunted by an altitude of 18,500 feet and extremely cold temperatures. They were however spotted by the enemy and fired upon. A firefight followed, against an enemy equipped with heavy artillery.

Captain Haneefuddin was concerned about the safety of his team more than himself. He took up a position and fearlessly showered bullets on the enemy. In the exchange of bullets, he was severely injured. But he kept engaging the cunning enemy, until his boys were safe from the enemy fire. Unfortunately, he ran out of ammunition and he was shot from all directions. He succumbed to his injuries, just 200 meters from the position they valiantly set out to capture. He displayed extraordinary valor in the face of the enemy and cared more about his team’s safety than his own. Captain Haneefuddin attained martyrdom at the young age of 25. It was exactly two years after he was commissioned in the army. But his body could not be retrieved due to heavy firing till a brave Colonel Bhatia and his illustrious team set out to retrieve the body. It was on 18th  July, 43 days after Haneef’s martyrdom, Captain S K Dhiman, Major Sanjay Vishwas Rao, Lieutenant Ashish Bhalla, Havaldar Surinder and Rifleman Dharam Vir volunteered for the task.

Col. Bhatia and his team carefully negotiated the deadly precipices. The team managed to locate the brave heroes Haneef and Parvesh. They extricated the frozen bodies. Dragging them behind the boulders, the team carried the fallen heroes on their backs. They walk quietly through the night, reaching Zangpal by early morning. A helicopter carried the bodies away as the brave Colonel Bhatia watched the body bags with moist eyes for one last time.

Vir Chakra Captain Haneefuddin’s mother Hema Aziz had paid tribute to her martyr son thus:  “As a soldier, Capt Haneef served his country with pride and dedication. “There cannot be a greater statement on his valor than his death which came while fighting the enemy.” Later, a subsector in the battle zone was named as Subsector Captain Haneefuddin.

It is interesting to note that Captain Haneefuddin had gone to fight for 11 Rajputana Rifles whose war cry is ‘Raja Ram Chandra ki Jai’. Twenty years later, in February 2020, in Captain Haneefuddin’s hometown – Delhi, a similar war cry —  Jai Sri Ram was used by the rioters who looted, raped, killed innocents, destroyed 11 mosques and burnt down the copies of the Holy Quran, according to the just released report of the Delhi Minorities Commission. Those who carried out this pogram do not have guts to go to the borders and fight the enemies Pakistan and China. Instead, they choose our own citizens!

Where have the Dilwallas disappeared from Dilli?  Lest we forget Kargil War Hero Vir Chakra Captain Haneefuddin and other heroes!

source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> Lead / by Dr Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui / July 27th, 2024

Remembering Maulana who hoisted Tricolour in front of 300 British cops

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, First War of Independence 1857 / Naval Mutiny 1946 / Others PreIndependece (wef. July 27th, 2022), Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ludhiana, PUNJAB:

Prayers being offered at Jama Masjid in memory of Maulana Habib-ur-Rehman Ludhianvi. Tribune photo: Himanshu Mahajan

Ludhiana :

A prayer was organised at the local Jama Masjid in remembrance of Maulana Habib-ur-Rehman Ludhianvi, the man who stood up and raised his voice against the Divide and Rule policy of the British. Today, was his 68th death anniversary.

Maulana Habib-ur-Rehman Ludhianvi

Ludhianvi was one of the founders of Majlis-e-Ahrar-e-Islam and was the direct descendant of Shah Abdul Qadir Ludhianvi, who fought against the British colonial rule during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. In British records, he has been described as a fiery speaker who exercised considerable influence on people in the region.

In 1929, to oppose the idea of partition, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Tricolour on the banks of Ravi for the first time and at the same time, Ludhianvi hoisted the same flag at Jama Masjid in Ludhiana in the presence of over 300 British policemen and was arrested.

“When the entire nation was suffering under the Divide and Rule policy of the British, it was he who stood up and raised his voice,” said Mohammad Usman Rehmani Ludhianvi, the Shahi Imam of Punjab, remembering his great grandfather.

Voices calling out “Hindu paani lelo, Muslim paani lelo” were common at the railway stations as there were separate pitchers of water for the Hindus and the Muslims. But in 1929, Maulana Habib-ur-Rehman Ludhianvi raised his voice against this and protested at Ghaas Mandi Chowk, Ludhiana and, with the help of his volunteers, broke earthen pots.

As a result, the British government was forced to install one common pitcher at all railway stations across the country giving the message “sabka paani ek hai”. In this activity, nearly 50 volunteers were arrested and sent to jail, he shared.

“My great grandfather decided to stay back in this part of Punjab although many of their relatives migrated to Pakistan. He was deeply pained by the Partition and later in order to help women to get back to their respective families, he had set up a ‘Phir Basau’ committee. Thousands of women returned to their parents under this exchange programme,” he said. Maulana, though not a poet, was well-versed in poetry and used to host poetic evening once a month, he shared.

Subhash Chandra Bose took refuge for three days at his home while on his way to Japan. Similarly, Bhagat Singh’s mother, brother and sister also stayed at his place during the freedom struggle.

Habib-ur-Rehman had to spend 14 years in prison in various places including Shimla, Mianwali, Multan, Ludhiana and Dharamsala.

He was confined in cold places during winters and hot ones in summer. He contracted a serious infection in jail due to which he died on September 2, 1956.

source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Ludhiana / by Manav Mander / Tribune News Service / September 03rd, 2024

A forgotten page of the Freedom Struggle: the Khanpur Estate and Bara Basti villages

Freedom Fighters (under research project), Martyrs of the Nation, Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022)

UTTAR PRADESH :

Ruins of Haveli of Basi Bangar, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh

The history of the Khanpur Estate and Bara Basti (twelve villages) goes back to the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir when a son of a Daudzai Afghan chieftain, Sheikh Ruknuddin Afghan founded a village on the banks of Ganga and gave it the name of “Basi Bangar”.

As a valiant warrior, Ruknuddin was inducted in the Mughal army. Later, his fortunes rose to the rank of Mansabdar and the title of Sher Khan was given to him. After his death, the emperor bestowed a portion of his jagir and rank to his brother and children. Later, his younger brother, Shaikh Allu Afghan was also inducted into the Mughal aristocracy and was awarded many grants.

Resting place of Shaikh Allu Afghan founder of Khanpur estate

A village with the name of “Khanpur” was established by Shaikh Allu Afghan. During his lifetime, he built a large mud fort, mosque and other structures in this village. This is how Khanpur became the administrative headquarters of Bara Basti, the settlements of Daudzai Afghans in the area.

Ruins of Khanpur fort

Role of Erstwhile Khanpur estate in the Great Uprising of 1857

During the Mughal era, there were only few taluqdar estates in the current Bulandshahr district and these were Khanpur Chattari, Kuchesar, Pahasu and Shikarpur. When the great Uprising of 1857 broke out, there wasn’t much force at Meerut camp.

Brand Sapte wrote letters to the taluqdars of district Bulandshahr asking for assistance of troops and horses. This request was positively responded immediately. However, the Khanpur Estate decided to join the Uprising.

Nawab Walidad Khan of Malagarh came to the Doab with a sanad from Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Azim Khan alias Azam Khan was the deputy of Nawab Walidad Khan of Malagarh in the Bulandshahr district of the former United Provinces. The family owned the erstwhile Khanpur Estate in the same district.

During the Great Uprising of 1857, Nawab Walidad Khan, who was related the Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar by virtue of marriage within the royal family, was chosen as a leader of this movement to overthrow the colonial government.

On 10 October 1857, British forces attacked Malagarh. Azim Khan put up a stiff resistance under the overall command of Nawab Walidad Khan at Khurja and paralysed the British for a few days. He was finally arrested by Khusi Ram, the Police Officer of Anupshahr, while trying to cross the Ganga to move into Rohilkhand. He was tried by a court martial and subsequently hanged.

Haji Munir Khan was the only son of Azim Khan, the landlord of the Khanpur estate in Bulandshahr district. Munir Khan was the chief commander of the revolutionaries of the Bulandshahr district during the Great Uprising of 1857.

In the famous second battle of Gulaothi which was fought on 29 July 1857, British forces wanted to take control of the whole of the Bulandshahr district.

To stop their advance, Nawab Walidad Khan of Malagarh deputed his main commanders, Haji Munir Khan and Ismail Khan, to Gulaothi. Both of them established a picket on the canal just before Gulaothi to stop the colonial forces from entering the Bulandshahr district. In the ensuing battle, both Haji Munir Khan and Ismail Khan received severe sword cuts on their faces. Later, Haji Munir Khan crossed the Ganga with Walidad Khan and joined Khan Bahadur Khan’s forces and fought at Kachhlaghat and also served as Naib Kotwal under government of Khan Bahadur Khan rebel government. He continued fighting until his last breath.

Abdul Latif Khan was the nephew of Azim Khan, the landlord of the Khanpur’s estate in the Bulandshahr district. Abdul Latif Khan was the second wealthiest landholder in the district and the proprietor of 225 villages, with its headquarters in the Barah Basti villages.

During the Great Uprising of 1857, the British District Magistrate of Bulanshahr called upon all the principal landholders of the district, including Abdul Latif Khan, to help him by furnishing troops to suppress the revolt. Abdul Latif Khan initially refused to help the British, but when on 4 October 1857, Bulandshahr was occupied by the British force under Lieutenant Colonel Farquhar, he paid his due balance of land revenue to the British government. But he soon shifted his allegiance to Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Mosque in Basi Bangar on the shore of river Ganga and it’s very first village of Bara Basti settlement.

Though he never came to the battlefield, Abdul Latif Khan gave shelter to the revolutionaries of Bulandshahr district including Nawul Gujjar, Raheemoddeen and the Pathans of Barah Basti villages when they were engaged in fighting the British forces. For these acts, he was tried by a military court and sentenced to transportation for life to Andamans or Kala Pani for aiding the revolt of 1857.

The family’s erstwhile Khanpur estate in Bulandshahr district was subsequently confiscated by the British after the 1857 uprising was crushed by the colonial forces.

source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> News> Special Reports / by The Milli Gazette Online / by Musa Munir Khan / July 31st, 2024

Wg Cdr MA Afraz dug out 26,000 stories of martyrs to commemorate their valour

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Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

National War Memorial, New Delhi

Wing Commander (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed Afraz lives up to the saying that a soldier is always on duty. Having served in the armed forces, Afraz has taken up the responsibility of documenting the stories of the martyrs and keeping their spirit of valour alive in the mind of public.

So far, he has collected 26,000 stories which are posted on his portal honourpoint.in. These are the soldiers and officers who laid down their lives in wars post-independence.

The Bengaluru-based Afraz says, “During my college days and job, I visited many memorials in the country. There are more than 200 memorials and almost half of them are inside the military cantonments. I would collect details of the martyrs from there.”

Afraz belongs to a Military family and he was brought up in Cantonments across the country. His father was in the Army; like him, his wife was in the Indian Air Force. His brother-in-law and many close relatives were in the Armed Forces.  

He narrated a few stories about the martyrs, who would be forgotten and he made their memories come alive. Wing Commander Afraz talks about Flying Officer Farokh Dara Bunsha.

A post on the Facebook page of honourpoint.in commemorarting martyrs

Bunsha was martyred in the 1965 war. Soon his name was relegated to the pages of military history. Not many knew the poignant story of a young woman to whom Farokh Bunsha was betrothed.

After his story was posted on honourpoint.in it came up that this young woman had decided to live with his memory and never married.

Today, Farokh Bunsha’s fiancée is about 75 years old. She had no connection with the family of her martyred fiancé. However, when Wing Commander MA Afraz wrote the story, their families met and befriended each other.

He says, “When the Kargil war broke out, I was in the Air Force. I closely monitored the media coverage of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

“I noticed within two or three days, that the stories of martyrs would be shoved into inside pages and gradually people lost interest in them and even forgot their names. It made me realize there is a dire need to commemorate our martyrs.”

A poster announcement prize winners of the competition held by honourpoint.in

After he retired from the IAF in 2008, he decided to turn his dream of commemorating the martyrs’ memories into a reality.

He started working on his project in 2015 and launched his portal within two years.

“Collecting data was a major challenge for us. These forgotten soldiers had fought in the wars of 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971, and 1999. I focused on those who didn’t receive awards or commendations.

Back then there was no internet or a single source for us to collect information. Most of their families lived in far-flung villages.

Afraz says, “I realised that while the countrymen have expectations from our soldiers, nobody has any idea of the martyrs’ expectations from their countrymen.”

Kargil War memorial at Drass, Ladakh

Besides maintaining the portal, Afraz organises gatherings of the families of martyrs with civil society members. “It’s difficult to describe in words the feelings of martyrs’ families when people talk about their sons. Pride and honour are important for these families and no medal or financial help can match it,” he says.

Wing Commander Afraz says, “It is the moral responsibility of every citizen to contribute to the country; the contribution can be of any kind.”

The portal team posts the stories of martyrs on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram almost daily.

He says, “We are also spreading awareness offline. For example, we are continuously working on making people and students aware with the help of our association with the CSR partners from companies.

“We also organize marathons, radio, and print in memory of the martyrs.

Wg Cdr (Retd) M A Afraz

We are also connecting with people through print media and television.”

Afraz’s team has been organising ‘Rang De Veer‘ events all over India level for six years. These events held on Republic Day, Independence Day, and Kargil Divas (26 July), are attended by schools from India and abroad.

Afraz says, “Civil society should get in touch with these families. The government can only provide them with pensions and schemes. When the stories of the martyrs come to light, I have noticed that common people tend to stand up for their families who need help. For example, lawyers fight their cases for free; doctors provide free treatment.”

Another story that Afraz narrates is of Flight Lieutenant Akash Yadav of Kosli village in Rewari, Haryana. He was martyred in November 2010 at the age of 26 years.

Flight Lieutenant Akash Yadav and Flying Officer Farokh Dara Bunsha

Aakash was a helicopter pilot and his chopper crashed on the India-China border. He was the only child of his parents and they fell into mental depression after his death. Both parents felt there was nothing left for them to live for; they cut themselves off from everyone and lived like a recluse.

In 2017, M.A. Afraz’s portal invited the family of Flight Lieutenant Akash Yadav to a program where the families of martyrs and members of civil society interacted.

After the function, the Yadav’s father said he would now onwards live the his life positively.

He set up an organization named ‘Flight Lieutenant Akash Yadav Yuva Prerana Samiti’ in their village. Under its aegis, the founder moves to the villages around Kosli and motivates the youth to join the armed forces.

He adopted children from slums and is educating them. Today he is fully involved in social service.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story/ by Rajeev Kumar Singh, New Delhi / August 14th, 2024

VDG Sharief who died fighting Pak terrorists buried with state honours

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Panara Village Basantgarh (Udhampur District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Jammu Police chief ADGP Anand Jain saluting the Coffin of Mohammad Sharif, member of Village Defence Guards

New Delhi :

Village Defence Guards member Mohammad Sharief of village Panara, who died fighting Pakistani terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur in Jammu two days ago was laid to rest with full state honours at his ancestral village with a sea of mourners in attendance to pay him their last respects in heavy rain.

Sharief leaves behind his wife, four minor daughters aged between 5 to 15 years, and an aged mother.

Sharief was martyred in an encounter with a group of terrorists, who, according to police, are believed to have just infiltrated from Pakistan to carry out terrorist activities in J&K.

The Army has taken charge of the search for the terrorists who are believed to be in two groups and are hiding in the thickly forested and hilly terrain.

Jammu Links posted this video of ADGP Anand Jain leading the convoy carrying the tricolour-wrapped coffin of Mohammad Sharif to his village on X:

Anand Jain, ADGP Jammu Zone said that it was on a tip-off that the police and local village defense guards had fanned out in the hilly area. He said the police had spotted the group of three terrorists and in the retaliatory fire Mohammad Sharief lost his life.  

Mohd Abaaz, brother of Sharief and also a VDG said they were together when terrorists opened fire on them during area domination patrolling.

“There were two groups of terrorists with nine members. I told him to be careful but he was caught in an open area and became a direct target. I along with another member took a shield in a nearby house. They rained about 50 bullets non-stop (before fleeing),” he said.

Arbaaz said the encounter had taken place after a gap of more than 15 years. “We have had encounters (with terrorists) in the past and we are ready to take on them (terrorists)”.

Hundreds of locals from the villages and adjoining areas, including VDG members, joined the funeral of Sharief amid adverse weather conditions including rain and storms. He was later buried at his ancestral graveyard.

Mourners made a beeline outside Sharief’s house to convey their sympathies to the family. May hoped that the Government would announce rehabilitation of the poor family which lost its only bread-earner.

Sharief’s wife Fatima Begum told local news persons that she was proud of her husband’s sacrificing his life for the nation yet in pain at his loss.

“Who will take care of my five minor daughters now?” she said as his shell-shocked daughters sat in front of their mother in a room of their house at Lower Panara village.

Begum said she was preparing breakfast for the family when Sharief came and told him that he was leaving for an operation.

The VDG members said they wanted to be given automatic weapons to match the firing ability of the terrorists. Also, they demanded a timely release of their allowances and declared despite Sharif’s loss, they are prepared to take on the infiltrators.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by ATV, posted by Aasha Khosa / April 30th, 2024