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| Defence ministry fails to recognize valour, heroism of Brig Rajinder Singh during 1947-48 conflict | | Politicians, Academicians, Historians, Intellectuals silent! | |  Syed Junaid Hashmi
JAMMU, Dec 22: More than 64 years have passed but Union Defence Ministry is yet to recognize and document in detail valor and heroism of Brig. Rajinder Singh, the military commander who saved Kashmir from being plundered and inspired his men to hold up enemy advance for three days during 1947-48 conflict.
What to talk of documentation and recognition, the ministry has staunchly resisted efforts of relatives of Brig. Rajinder Singh to get his role documented in detail. The so-called politicians, academicians, historians and intellectuals who do not miss any opportunity to garland statue or Photograph of martyred brigadier on his death anniversary have never bothered to get this historical mistake corrected.
No band call has ever been given to protest against timid attitude of Union Defence Ministry towards the demand for giving Brig. Rajinder Singh his due place in the 'Jammu & Kashmir Operation book' which produced by Ministry of Defence. While an auditorium of Jammu University has been named after valiant army general, youth organizations have never bothered to stage even symbolic protest against this injustice with a military commander who fought against enemy till last breath.
Jugvir Inder Singh had filed an RTI seeking formal apology from the President of India over Indian Army's alleged failure to acknowledge the heroics of late Brig. Rajinder Singh during a military operation in Kashmir besides claiming relief by way of award of Padma Bhushan to late Brig. Rajendra Singh as well as a Maha Param Vir Chakra and an addendum to be attached to history of 'Jammu & Kashmir Operation book' produced by Ministry of Defence, to acknowledge contribution of Brig. Rajendra Singh.
He had further demanded that historical records be amended and honours/awards be bestowed upon late Brig. Rajendra Singh. He had sought a range of information pertaining mostly to the military operations during the 1947-48 conflict in Kashmir and the role played by late Brig. Rajendra Singh.
Singh had asked for 'all records' of Field Marshal Cariappa and of General Thimayya; maps of the required subject area; documents of General Srinagesh at that time; documents "alleged in Rajendra Singh's letter and those connected with 'Operation Snipe'; requests for enquiry and for Gurais Medals of Honour by Brig Rajendra Singh "during any time in the Armed Forces and also sought history of Vij Galli Hut.
He had demanded that Union Ministry of Defence should carry out vigorous research to establish heroic credentials of Brig. Rajendra Singh and his key contribution in the 1947-48 conflict in Kashmir. He accused the Defense ministry of deliberate cover-up and held them responsible for distorting history. He was heard and his RTI appeal was dismissed by Central Information Commission (CIC).
Commission stated in its judgment that under the RTI Act, it is not possible for this commission to direct Union Ministry of Defence to carry out amendments or to mount fresh research on the contributions of Brigadier Rajendra Singh. Over the issue of access to historical records, maps, war diaries, as also sought in the RTI appeal, the commission permitted Singh to approach army headquarters for access to historical records kept by the historical division of the Union Ministry of Defence.
Even after this, none from Jammu raised even meek voice of protest against the Defence Ministry for not giving the brave martyr his due. It needs to be reiterated that barely 10 weeks after Independence, Pakistan launched the invasion of Kashmir on October 22, 1947. A battalion of the Maharaja of Kashmir's Army, commanded by Col. Narayan Singh and defending Muzaffrabad, was soon overrun.
Pakistan supported raiders were pressing towards Srinagar. Brigadier Rajendra Singh on receiving a message for help from Camp Domel set out for Srinagar with two platoons and a mortar detachment. They were heavily outnumbered by the enemy who engaged them at Garhi. Brigadier fell back and re-organized his forces.
In a fierce confrontation that followed the Brigadier was struck on his right arm by a burst of machine gun fire. Realizing that his evacuation would hold up and even jeopardize his men's safety he ordered them to precede without him.
Brigadier's body was never recovered as he probably fell into enemy hands. But his act of sacrifice inspired his men to hold up the enemy advance for three days, thereby ensuring the safety of Srinagar. Brigadier Rajendra Singh was honored by the Nation with the Mahavir Chakra and thereafter, he was forgotten. |
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