It was on this day in 1947, that the Instrument of Accession was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, agreeing to accede J&K with the Republic of India.
Some nationalist political parties celebrate it is as Vijay Diwas commemorating the vijay, or victory, of Indian forces over the nefarious Pakistani invaders who raided J&K in 1947.
The document was signed after Pakistani led Pashtun lashkar, or militia from Waziristan, invaded Kashmir by looting and raping the locals. Indian Army, on request by the Maharaja stepped in and warded the raiders away.
The war between India-Pakistan continue even after the signing of the document. Two notable Dogra martyrs of this war were: Brigadier Rajinder Singh, first Maha Vir Chakra and Major Somnath Sharma, first Param Vir Chakra.
Read also: The last ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir
That was the time when people, especially women, in Kashmir stood up to form local militia to defend against Pakistan.
Bonus point:
1 Usha Kak nee Dhar
2 Kaushalya Kaul nee Dhar
3 Krishna Misri nee Zadoo
10 Shanta Kashkari (also identified as Janaki Devi)
11 Leela Bhan nee Dhar
12 Jai Kishori Dhar
13 Indu Pandit nee Zadoo
14 Khurshid Bakshi nee Jalauddin
15 Usha Khanna nee Kashyap
16 Zainab Begum
17Jai Kishori Vashnavi nee Bhan
21 Laxmi Rambal
The confusion stems from the time-to-time decisions (some amounting to blunders) taken by subsequent governments at the Centre and pliable governments in the state.
Watch Video: Here’s A Throwback To Dr Karan Singh Speech In Rajya Sabha Regarding Accession of Jammu & Kashmir