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{{Short description|1913–1975 paramilitary in Gilgit Agency, Jammu and Kashmir}} |
{{Short description|1913–1975 paramilitary in Gilgit Agency, Jammu and Kashmir}} |
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{{Infobox military unit |
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[[File:Gilgit_Scouts_logo.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gilgit Scouts logo]] |
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| unit_name = Gilgit Scouts |
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| ⚫ | The '''Gilgit Scouts''' |
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| native_name = |
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| image = Gilgit_Scouts_logo.jpg |
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| image_size = |
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| alt = |
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| caption = Insignia of the Gilgit Scouts |
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| start_date = 1913 |
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| end_date = 1975 |
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| country = {{PAK}} |
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| allegiance = |
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| branch = |
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| type = Paramilitary |
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| role = <!-- or | specialization = --> |
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| size = |
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| command_structure = |
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| garrison = |
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| garrison_label = |
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| nickname = Northern Battalion |
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| patron = |
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| motto = |
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| colors = <!-- or | colours = --> |
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| colors_label = <!-- or | colours_label = --> |
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| march = |
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| mascot = |
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| anniversaries = |
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| equipment = |
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| equipment_label = |
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| battles = {{Tree list}} |
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*[[First Kashmir War]] |
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**[[1947 Gilgit Rebellion]] |
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**[[Battle of Jaglote]] |
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**[[Bunji Action]] |
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**[[Action at Tsari]] |
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**[[Battle of Thorgo]] |
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**[[Siege of Skardu]] |
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{{tree list/end}} |
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| battles_label = |
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| decorations = |
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| battle_honours = <!-- Commanders --> |
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| notable_commanders = [[William Brown (British Army officer)|Major William Brown]]<br>[[Aslam Khan (Pakistani brigadier)|Brigadier Aslam Khan]] |
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}} |
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| ⚫ | The '''Gilgit Scouts''' was a [[paramilitary]] force within the [[Gilgit Baltistan|Gilgit-Baltistan]] region in northern [[Pakistan]]. They were raised by the [[British Raj]] in 1913, on behalf of the princely state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], to police the [[Gilgit Agency]], which formed the northern frontier of British India. The force was composed of local men recruited by British commanders. |
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| ⚫ | In November 1947, under the command of [[William Brown (British Army officer)|Major |
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| ⚫ | In November 1947, under the command of [[William Brown (British Army officer)|Major William Brown]], the Gilgit Scouts staged a [[Gilgit Rebellion|rebellion]] and overthrew the Governor of Gilgit under the Jammu and Kashmir state. The Muslim element of the [[Jammu and Kashmir State Forces|State Forces]] based at [[Bunji, Pakistan|Bunji]] joined the rebels. The [[Azad Kashmir]] provisional government took control of the force by sending Colonel [[Aslam Khan (Pakistani brigadier)|Aslam Khan]] as its commander. The combined force conquered all of [[Baltistan]], giving rise to the present day Gilgit-Baltistan.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Brown |first1=William |title=Gilgit Rebelion: The Major Who Mutinied Over Partition of India |date=2014 |publisher=Pen and Sword |isbn=9781473841123 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=53BtBQAAQBAJ}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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=== Antecedents === |
=== Antecedents === |
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When the [[Gilgit Agency]] was established in 1889, it was controlled using the [[Imperial Service Troops]] provided by the Maharaja of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and placed under the command of the British [[Political officer (British Empire)|Political Agent]].<ref>{{harvnb|Schofield, Kashmir in Conflict|2003|p=13}}; {{harvnb|Snedden, Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris|2015|p=109}}</ref>{{sfn|Chohan, Gilgit Agency|1997|p=180}} A few contingents of British Indian troops and 14 British officers were added in 1891.{{sfn|Chohan, Gilgit Agency|1997|p=183}} Levies from [[Punial State|Punial]] were also present earlier.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Huttenback |first1=Robert A. |year=2008 |title=The 'Great Game' in the Pamirs and the Hindu-Kush: The British Conquest of Hunza and Nagar |journal=Modern Asian Studies |volume=9 |issue=1 |pages=1–29 |doi=10.1017/S0026749X00004856 |issn=0026-749X}}</ref> After the [[Hunza–Nagar Campaign]] in 1891, and the pacification of [[Chilas District|Chilas]] and [[Chitral (princely state)|Chitral]], the British Indian troops were gradually reduced, and replaced by new levies from [[Hunza (princely state)|Hunza]], [[Nagar (princely state)|Nagar]] and Punial.{{sfn|Chohan, Gilgit Agency|1997|pp=189–190}} |
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=== Formation === |
=== Formation of scouts === |
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In 1913, the local levies were replaced by a permanent body of troops on a [[company (military unit)|company]] basis, under the name "Gilgit Scouts". The force was paid for by the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], but commanded by British officers under the control of the British Political Agent at Gilgit.{{sfn|Chohan, Gilgit Agency|1997|p=192}} The initial strength of Gilgit Scouts was 656 men |
In 1913, the local levies were replaced by a permanent body of troops on a [[company (military unit)|company]] basis, under the name "Gilgit Scouts". The force was paid for by the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], but commanded by British officers under the control of the British Political Agent at Gilgit.{{sfn|Chohan, Gilgit Agency|1997|p=192}} The initial strength of Gilgit Scouts was 656 men. They were organised into 8 companies of 80 men each. Each company had two native officers, a Subedar and a Jamadar.{{sfn|Chohan, Gilgit Agency|1997|p=192}} |
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The force had no connection to the [[Jammu and Kashmir State Forces]],{{sfn|Snedden, Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris|2015|p=109}} but became part of the [[Frontier Corps]], along with [[Chitral Scouts]], [[Kurram Militia]] and other local forces.<ref name="Bajwa">{{cite book |title= Jammu and Kashmir War: 1947 & 1948 |last= Bajwa|first= Kuldip Singh |date=1 January 2004|publisher= Har Anand Publications |location=India |isbn= 978-81-241-0923-6|page= 140 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7bREjE5yXNMC&pg=PA140 |access-date=2009-08-31}}</ref> |
The force had no connection to the [[Jammu and Kashmir State Forces]],{{sfn|Snedden, Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris|2015|p=109}} but became part of the [[Frontier Corps]], along with [[Chitral Scouts]], [[Kurram Militia]] and other local forces.<ref name="Bajwa">{{cite book |title= Jammu and Kashmir War: 1947 & 1948 |last= Bajwa|first= Kuldip Singh |date=1 January 2004|publisher= Har Anand Publications |location=India |isbn= 978-81-241-0923-6|page= 140 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7bREjE5yXNMC&pg=PA140 |access-date=2009-08-31}}</ref> |
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The recruits were from all areas of the Gilgit Agency and had the advantage of local knowledge. They were also acclimatised to local climate |
The recruits were from all areas of the Gilgit Agency and had the advantage of local knowledge. They were also acclimatised to local climate and the harsh mountain terrain. They were responsible for maintaining local order as well as monitoring foreign activity along the northern borders.{{sfn|Snedden, Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris|2015|p=109}} |
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The recruitment in the Gilgit scouts was based on the recommendation of [[Mir (title)|Mir]]s and [[Raja]]s of the area. Close relatives of Mirs and Rajas were given direct [[Viceroy's commissioned officer|Viceroy commission]]s in Gilgit scouts.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} |
The recruitment in the Gilgit scouts was based on the recommendation of [[Mir (title)|Mir]]s and [[Raja]]s of the area. Close relatives of Mirs and Rajas were given direct [[Viceroy's commissioned officer|Viceroy commission]]s in Gilgit scouts.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} |
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=== First Kashmir War === |
=== First Kashmir War (1947) === |
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[[File:Gilgit Scouts during Gilgit Rebellion.jpg|thumb|right| Gilgit Scouts raising the Pakistani flag during the Gilgit Rebellion]] |
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| ⚫ | After the [[Partition of India]], the Gilgit Scouts rebelled against |
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| ⚫ | After the [[Partition of India]], the Gilgit Scouts rebelled against the authority of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and participated in the [[First Kashmir War]]. According to Major [[William Brown (British Army officer)|William Brown]], its commanding officer, there was a secret plan among a few members of Gilgit Scouts to set up a "Republic of [[Gilgit District|Gilgit]]-[[Astore District|Astor(e)]]" when they ousted the governor of Gilgit representing the Maharaja's government on 1 November 1947. Historian [[Ahmad Hasan Dani]], a member of the [[Shina people | Shina]] community which is the majority ethno-linguistic group of the [[Gilgit Baltistan]] region of Pakistan,<ref>{{cite web | publisher=Social Science Open Access Repository | url=https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/bitstream/handle/document/61329/ssoar-ethnoscripts-2014-1-sokefeld-Anthropology_of_Gilgit-Baltistan_introduction.pdf?sequence=1 | title=Anthropology of Gilgit-Baltistan}}</ref> mentions that although there was lack of public participation in the rebellion, pro-Pakistan sentiments were intense in the civilian population and their anti-Kashmiri sentiments were also clear.{{sfn|Bangash, Three Forgotten Accesions|2010|p=132}} On 2 November, the Pakistani flag was raised on the old tower in the Gilgit Scout Lines, under the command of Major Brown.{{sfn|Schofield, Kashmir in Conflict|2003|p=64}} |
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=== Inside Pakistan === |
=== Inside Pakistan === |
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[[File:The shine of The Martyrs corps of Gilgit-Baltistan scouts.jpg|thumb|right|Monument dedicated to the [[martyrs]] of the Gilgit Scouts]] |
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| ⚫ | After conclusion of the |
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| ⚫ | After the conclusion of the First Kashmir War, the Gilgit Scouts operated as a paramilitary force in the [[Northern Areas]] (now called Gilgit-Baltistan). In 1975, the force was amalgamated into the [[Northern Light Infantry]] Regiment of the Pakistan Army, where the Gilgit Scouts became the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the regiment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northern Light Infantry |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/rgt-nli.htm |website=Globalsecurity.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054556/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/rgt-nli.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> |
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==Gilgit Baltistan Scouts== |
==Gilgit Baltistan Scouts== |
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The force was re-raised in 2003 as the '''Northern Area Scouts''' under command of Brigadier Inayat Wali. It quickly progressed and took over the responsibilities of Law and Order in Gilgit Baltistan. |
The force was re-raised in 2003 as the '''Northern Area Scouts''' under command of Brigadier Inayat Wali. It quickly progressed and took over the responsibilities of Law and Order in Gilgit Baltistan. In 2011, the force was renamed [[Gilgit Baltistan Scouts]].<ref>[http://www.gilgitbaltistanscouts.gov.pk/index.htm Gilgit Baltistan Scouts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809160416/http://www.gilgitbaltistanscouts.gov.pk/index.htm |date=2014-08-09 }} (official web page)</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 03:27, 16 November 2024
| Gilgit Scouts | |
|---|---|
 Insignia of the Gilgit Scouts | |
| Active | 1913–1975 |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Type | Paramilitary |
| Nickname(s) | Northern Battalion |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Major William Brown Brigadier Aslam Khan |
The Gilgit Scouts was a paramilitary force within the Gilgit-Baltistan region in northern Pakistan. They were raised by the British Raj in 1913, on behalf of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, to police the Gilgit Agency, which formed the northern frontier of British India. The force was composed of local men recruited by British commanders.
In November 1947, under the command of Major William Brown, the Gilgit Scouts staged a rebellion and overthrew the Governor of Gilgit under the Jammu and Kashmir state. The Muslim element of the State Forces based at Bunji joined the rebels. The Azad Kashmir provisional government took control of the force by sending Colonel Aslam Khan as its commander. The combined force conquered all of Baltistan, giving rise to the present day Gilgit-Baltistan.[1]
The force was continued by Pakistan till 1975 when it was integrated into the Northern Light Infantry of the Pakistan Army.
History
Antecedents
When the Gilgit Agency was established in 1889, it was controlled using the Imperial Service Troops provided by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir and placed under the command of the British Political Agent.[2][3] A few contingents of British Indian troops and 14 British officers were added in 1891.[4] Levies from Punial were also present earlier.[5] After the Hunza–Nagar Campaign in 1891, and the pacification of Chilas and Chitral, the British Indian troops were gradually reduced, and replaced by new levies from Hunza, Nagar and Punial.[6]
Formation of scouts
In 1913, the local levies were replaced by a permanent body of troops on a company basis, under the name "Gilgit Scouts". The force was paid for by the state of Jammu and Kashmir, but commanded by British officers under the control of the British Political Agent at Gilgit.[7] The initial strength of Gilgit Scouts was 656 men. They were organised into 8 companies of 80 men each. Each company had two native officers, a Subedar and a Jamadar.[7]
The force had no connection to the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces,[8] but became part of the Frontier Corps, along with Chitral Scouts, Kurram Militia and other local forces.[9] The recruits were from all areas of the Gilgit Agency and had the advantage of local knowledge. They were also acclimatised to local climate and the harsh mountain terrain. They were responsible for maintaining local order as well as monitoring foreign activity along the northern borders.[8]
The recruitment in the Gilgit scouts was based on the recommendation of Mirs and Rajas of the area. Close relatives of Mirs and Rajas were given direct Viceroy commissions in Gilgit scouts.[citation needed]
First Kashmir War (1947)
After the Partition of India, the Gilgit Scouts rebelled against the authority of Jammu and Kashmir and participated in the First Kashmir War. According to Major William Brown, its commanding officer, there was a secret plan among a few members of Gilgit Scouts to set up a "Republic of Gilgit-Astor(e)" when they ousted the governor of Gilgit representing the Maharaja's government on 1 November 1947. Historian Ahmad Hasan Dani, a member of the Shina community which is the majority ethno-linguistic group of the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan,[10] mentions that although there was lack of public participation in the rebellion, pro-Pakistan sentiments were intense in the civilian population and their anti-Kashmiri sentiments were also clear.[11] On 2 November, the Pakistani flag was raised on the old tower in the Gilgit Scout Lines, under the command of Major Brown.[12]
On 12 January 1948, the command was handed over to Colonel Aslam Khan the first local commander of the Gilgit Scouts, under the authority of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir provisional government.[12]
Inside Pakistan
After the conclusion of the First Kashmir War, the Gilgit Scouts operated as a paramilitary force in the Northern Areas (now called Gilgit-Baltistan). In 1975, the force was amalgamated into the Northern Light Infantry Regiment of the Pakistan Army, where the Gilgit Scouts became the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the regiment.[13]
Gilgit Baltistan Scouts
The force was re-raised in 2003 as the Northern Area Scouts under command of Brigadier Inayat Wali. It quickly progressed and took over the responsibilities of Law and Order in Gilgit Baltistan. In 2011, the force was renamed Gilgit Baltistan Scouts.[14]
See also
References
- ^ Brown, William (2014). Gilgit Rebelion: The Major Who Mutinied Over Partition of India. Pen and Sword. ISBN 9781473841123.
- ^ Schofield, Kashmir in Conflict 2003, p. 13; Snedden, Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris 2015, p. 109
- ^ Chohan, Gilgit Agency 1997, p. 180.
- ^ Chohan, Gilgit Agency 1997, p. 183.
- ^ Huttenback, Robert A. (2008). "The 'Great Game' in the Pamirs and the Hindu-Kush: The British Conquest of Hunza and Nagar". Modern Asian Studies. 9 (1): 1–29. doi:10.1017/S0026749X00004856. ISSN 0026-749X.
- ^ Chohan, Gilgit Agency 1997, pp. 189–190.
- ^ a b Chohan, Gilgit Agency 1997, p. 192.
- ^ a b Snedden, Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris 2015, p. 109.
- ^ Bajwa, Kuldip Singh (1 January 2004). Jammu and Kashmir War: 1947 & 1948. India: Har Anand Publications. p. 140. ISBN 978-81-241-0923-6. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
- ^ "Anthropology of Gilgit-Baltistan" (PDF). Social Science Open Access Repository.
- ^ Bangash, Three Forgotten Accesions 2010, p. 132.
- ^ a b Schofield, Kashmir in Conflict 2003, p. 64.
- ^ "Northern Light Infantry". Globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
- ^ Gilgit Baltistan Scouts Archived 2014-08-09 at the Wayback Machine (official web page)
Bibliography
- Bangash, Yaqoob Khan (2010), "Three Forgotten Accessions: Gilgit, Hunza and Nagar", The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History, 38 (1): 117–143, doi:10.1080/03086530903538269, S2CID 159652497
- Chohan, Amar Singh (1997), Gilgit Agency 1877-1935, Second Reprint, Atlantic Publishers & Dist, ISBN 978-81-7156-146-9
- Schofield, Victoria (2003) [First published in 2000], Kashmir in Conflict, London and New York: I. B. Taurus & Co, ISBN 1860648983
- Snedden, Christopher (2015), Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-1-84904-342-7