Captain Hussain Khan Shaheed is reckoned to be one of the proud and brave sons of the soil who had played indomitable role during the liberation war of 1947-48. Khan an acclaimed freedom fighter would be remembered for a long time in the annals of Kashmir history for his peerless contribution towards freedom struggle. He was eulogized by many of his contemporaries for his bravery and even General Abdul Whaeed Khan and other Generals of Pakistan Army had acknowledged his heroic role as a true freedom fighter, who fought with courage and determination against autocratic regime and its troops.
Referring to Maharaja Hari Singh’s tour to the state, General Waheed Khan says when the ruler arrived at Rawalakot the heart land of the Muslim Sudhan tribe on 21st April 1947 he was somewhat alarmed to see over 1000 ex-serviceman of the British Indian Army gathered to receive him. This gathering was organized by retied H/Capt. Later Lt. Col) Khan Sahib Khan Muhammad Khan, a respected and eminent member of the warrior Sudhan tribe. On return to his capital, the Meharaja moved three Jammu and Kashmir infantry battalions (1 st , 8 th and 9 th ) to Poonch under the newly raised J.K Poonch Brigade. The troops spread out to all the towns and made their presence left. Incidents of harassment and highhandedness by the troops increased, resulting the civilian casualties and appropriation of their property for military use.
Capt. (Later Major) Hussain Khan of Kala Kot (Now Hussainkot) toured the country – side of Sudhnuti and held closed – door meetings at various villages to organize the ex-serviceman. Sub Major (Later Captain) Muhammad Hussain Khan of Kaahala held meetings at his home town. The volunteers for the resistance struggle throughout Poonch and adjoining areas. Arms were promised in due course. These were arranged by Capt. Hussain Khan from Tribal areas of Pakistan and supplied through Sub Hadayat Khan and others. The news of Bagh carnage by Dogra troops on August 26, 1947 reached Rawalakot same day in the afternoon. Next night commander home guards Ret. Captain (Later Major) Hussain Khan collected 200 home guards and notables at Miral Gala (Banjonsa) and declared war against the Hindu ruler. He administered oath to the Mujahideen to fight for accession of the state of Pakistan at all Courts.
On the night of August 28, 29 under order Captain Hussain Khan the Mujahideen destroyed culverts and communication network between Rawalakot and Hajira and then took up defensive position on the Dothan defile to block enemy. On November 6, the attack was renewed under Captain Hussain Khan who had returned from Sudhnuti – Kotli Sector having covered 47 miles in 16 hours, along with a 3-inch mortar without fire pin. The enemy outer defenses were breached and hand-to- hand fighting ensued. Indian aircraft appeared and subjected the Mujahideen positions to strafing and bombing the whole day. The fighting was bitter and hard with many enemy counter attacks to enlarge their perimeter. A major effort was made by the Mujahideen at 1900 hours on November 7, under the command of Captain Hussain Khan. The fighting continued for the next two days with heavy casualties on both sides, and positions changing hands often. During the night of November 9, 10 the Dogra force withdrew simultaneously from Rawalakot towards Poonch. The Battle of Rawalakot was a great victory for the Mujahideen as it cleared the whole area of Dogra Troops. Taking advantage of darkness the Dogra troops along with local non-muslim civilians in a column moved off on Dharmsal – Tuli Pir track towards Poonch. They concentrated at Saran, Chooti Nakkar and Qabil Gala about 6 miles north – east of Rawalakot. The Dogra column from Bagh joined the Rawalakot column there on November 10.
The whole Mujahid force from Rawalakot continued its north –easterly advance with great determination and came up against the combined the Dogra force, consisting of Rawalakot and Bagh columns, which had encamped at Saran, Chooti Nakkar and Qabilgala the Dogra force was estimated over 2000 men under arms including remnants of 4, 8, and 9, J&K Inf Bns and embodied para – Military and RSS elements supported by mortar and machine – guns.The Mijahideen, under the inspiring leadership of Captain Hussain Khan, formed up in two group for the attack. The first group, commanded by Captain Hussain Khan himself.
The Mujahideen attack started at day break on November 10 and continued the whole day with heavy losses on both sides. The Dogras lost about 400 killed. Commander, Captain Hussain Khan, attack started early in the morning on November 11, fell mortally wounded while leading the assault. The passing away of this brave and inspiring leader was a great set-back to the Mujahideen cause. At night the Mujahideen disengaged and the Dogra troops made their way to Poonch.
(How we fought at Poonch in 1947)
The four enemy troops who were dropped by R/M Amaru include Captain Hussain, Commandant of Azad Kashmir Battalion. The swift action of R/M Amaru Thakur, by running through the enemy’s fire and shooting down the Battalion Commander, we got four weapons including 38 pistol of the enemy commander’s document and Map-sheet recovered from the Commander’s possession revealed that he was the Officer responsible demoralized the enemy which rendered our further advance safe. There was not a single shot fired at us by the enemy after this disastrous defeat. We suffered five wounded including one JCO. The column resumed advance and halted for the second night near the Toli Peer Pass. It was the month of November and the staging site was above 6000 feet, with no warm clothing and ration with the troops. The column commander issued orders to light fire to warm up. There were no utensils and ration with us. Goats and Rashin will given by Local Bodies for eat that nights. At last on 14th November. The column reached Poonch.
