LAHORE (Dunya News) - Nov 6 marks the remembrance of the 1947 Jammu massacre, where over 200,000 Muslims were killed by Dogra forces and the RSS backed by Maharaja Hari Singh.
A 1948 The Times London report confirmed that more than 237,000 Muslims were killed, and nearly 500,000 displaced, turning Muslims from 61% to a minority in Jammu.
This massacre occurred just before the Pathans' attack and Maharaja Hari Singh’s controversial accession to India, which was supported by the RSS.
Mahatma Gandhi later accused the Maharaja of violence, with reports indicating that government officials received orders to eliminate Muslims.
Every year, Kashmiris worldwide observe this day to remember the victims and highlight the continuing struggles under Indian occupation.
Political activist Krishan Dev Sethi noted on Sept 6, 2011 that the Maharaja’s administration played a key role in instigating violence after partition.
The RSS, with the support of the Maharaja, led the attacks in Jammu, and Indian forces played a role in the killings and subsequent military occupation of Kashmir.
Even after seven decades, Kashmiris continue to suffer, with India’s demographic policies violating international laws, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Kashmir remains one of the most militarised regions in the world, with over a million Indian soldiers deployed. Under Prime Minister Modi, forced relocations and demolitions have intensified, raising fears of demographic changes in the Muslim-majority region.
The Jammu massacre of 1947 remains a key turning point in Kashmir's history, with the roots of today’s conflict tied to that tragedy.