SATTI TRIBE IN KASHMIR WAR 1947 - 1948

When an armed struggle was launched in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947-48, two battalions were formed by ex-servicemen, who belonged to the Satti Tribe, named as Kotli battalion and Satti Battalion. The Kotli Battalion comprised of 600 fighters. Captain Muhammad Riaz Satti organised The Satti battalion which comprised of more than 400 fighters.

Ali Gohar Satti’s home in Malot Sattian served as a transit point for arms and men across river Jehlum. Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim of Sadozai tribe managed to acquire 500 Lee Enfield rifles and 45000 bullets which were stored safely in Ali Gohar Satti’s home. On the other side of the river was his son-in-law, Shukar Muhammad Satti, who coordinated the operation to safely transport arms and ammunition across river Jehlum.

Young Satti and Sadozai men swam across freezing river Jehlum and successfully managed to supply weapons to warriors and participated in the fight. The first attack was carried out against Dogra army unit stationed at Thorar. The warriors successfully climbed the rear vertical cliff of the army posts by using ropes and vines made of local shrubs. The enemy was ambushed from behind which left him bewildered with significant causalities. The rest were captured and kept as prisoners of war.

This was the starting point of Jammu and Kashmir liberation movement. The region of Poonch would not have been liberated without Sattis participation. The main reason to join the Poonch uprising was the harsh treatment meted out to Kashmiris by their rulers. Since Sattis and Sadozai have been related through different bonds, it was natural to respond to such calls. 

See the Striking Symmetry, When the Government of Pakistan joined in, the liberation command was assumed by Brigadier Saddiq Satti who went all the way to Poonch city. Later the Pakistan army headquarters recalled him and eventually the city fell to Indians.


By  DR JAHANGIR SATTI


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