Abstract
At the time of partition of India, there were hundreds of Princely States, the rulers of which were given the
option to accede either to India or Pakistan keeping in view the demographic and geographic situation of
their states. The Kashmir state was geographically linked to both Pakistan and India but her natural
communication links were passing through Pakistan and the majority of population was also Muslims,
however, the Dogra Maharaja was reluctant to join Pakistan. When the tales of freedom reached Kashmir,
the Muslim population of the state became restive and the people of Poonch revolted against the
Maharaja. Maharaja forces, strengthened by the arrival of troops from Patiala, started crushing the Muslims
with heavy hand.
