Remembering Maqbool Sherwani 'the lion of Baramulla’, whose martyrdom saved Kashmir from falling into Pakistani hands in 1947

 

Maqbool Sherwani was a significant figure in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. He was a resident of Baramulla, a town in J&K, and he played a heroic role during the Pakistani invasion in 1947. Sherwani is remembered for his bravery and sacrifice in trying to defend Baramulla from the invading tribal militias, who were supported by the Pakistani army.

 

Despite the overwhelming odds, Sherwani and a group of local volunteers resisted the invaders. His courageous efforts in the face of the invasion made him a symbol of resistance and a hero in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately, he was eventually captured and killed by the Pakistanis.

 

 

In October-November 1947, when Pakistani army in the guise of tribals raided, raped and murdered innocent people of Kashmir and began their advance towards Srinagar, Maqbool Sherwani decided to halt their movement.

 

Maqbool who is fondly known as 'lion of Baramulla’ misguided Pakistani attackers by convincing them to advance in the wrong direction. Sherwani and his volunteers without any military training set up roadblocks, destroyed bridges to protect the access to Srinagar city.