1947 Jammu Massacre: A Forgotten Tragedy and the Call for Kashmiri Self-Determination

1947 Jammu Massacre: A Forgotten Tragedy and the Call for Kashmiri Self-Determination


By Nida Awais


The Jammu Massacre of 1947 is one of the most harrowing yet overlooked chapters in the history of South Asia’s partition. Amid the turbulent backdrop of India’s independence and the formation of Pakistan, an estimated 20,000 to 70,000 Muslims were killed, and hundreds of thousands more were displaced from Jammu and Kashmir. This tragedy was fueled by Maharaja Hari Singh’s controversial decision to accede to India without consulting the wishes of his predominantly Muslim population, sparking severe consequences that reverberate to this day. The Jammu Massacre continues to symbolize the historical injustices faced by Kashmiri Muslims and underscores the ongoing struggle for self-determination and the right to shape their own future.


The departure of the British from India in 1947 created a vacuum of power that plunged the subcontinent into chaos. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with a unique geopolitical location and a diverse population, found itself caught between India and Pakistan. While Maharaja Hari Singh was a Hindu ruler, the majority of his subjects in Jammu and Kashmir were Muslim.  The state’s Muslim population were largely favored accession to Pakistan but Maharaja’s eventual decision to accede to India, without consulting his people, was an outright denial of their right to self-determination.


This act ignited tensions and triggered an outbreak of violence that would claim thousands of lives. Following the Maharaja’s accession to India, armed groups, including elements of the state forces and extremist Hindu groups, targeted Muslim communities in Jammu. Entire villages were attacked, homes were burned, and Muslim populations were driven from their land. Witnesses and survivors recall a climate of fear and panic, as Muslim families sought shelter only to find themselves trapped amidst widespread violence.


The Dogra military played a key role in executing these brutalities. Survivors’ testimonies reveal that men, women, and children were slaughtered in their own homes, while many who tried to flee were either forced back or killed in the process. For those who managed to survive, forced migration became the only option, resulting in mass displacement. The exodus from Jammu drastically altered the region’s demographics, diminishing the Muslim population in the area while leaving indelible scars on the survivors and their descendants.


Despite the scale of violence, the Jammu Massacre remains a largely forgotten tragedy, with minimal coverage and recognition. The silence surrounding these atrocities and the lack of comprehensive investigations into the incident have left many families without closure. Accusations of complicity within the state’s administration further complicate the picture, with some alleging that Maharaja Hari Singh’s government, or at the very least elements within it, sanctioned these attacks to shift the region’s demographic balance.


The lack of accountability not only denies justice to the victims but also reinforces a broader narrative of neglect and disregard for the rights of Kashmiri Muslims. For many, this continued silence is perceived as an indication of a deeper bias in historical documentation and remembrance, where the sufferings of Kashmiri Muslims remain marginalized and underrepresented. In contrast, efforts by Pakistan to raise international awareness of the massacre have often been met with political resistance, further isolating the voices of the victims.


The Jammu Massacre left an indelible mark on the Kashmiri Muslim psyche, fostering a collective memory of resistance against perceived injustices. The massacre and the manner in which it was overlooked continue to fuel a strong sense of alienation and marginalization among Kashmiri Muslims, who feel deprived of their right to determine their own future. The demand for self-determination, initially sparked by the events of 1947, has persisted over the decades, manifesting in ongoing protests, political movements, and calls for international intervention.


The right to self-determination is enshrined in international law, recognized as a fundamental right by the United Nations and championed as an essential principle for oppressed populations worldwide. Yet, Kashmiri Muslims’ demands have been consistently met with resistance. Their calls for a plebiscite – a promise once endorsed by the United Nations – remain unfulfilled, highlighting the geopolitical complexities and strategic interests that continue to overshadow their plight.


The international community has largely been silent on the Jammu Massacre, a stance that activists and scholars argue perpetuates an injustice. Human rights organizations, both within South Asia and globally, have urged for an impartial investigation into the atrocities, as well as accountability for those responsible. This advocacy for transparency is essential not only for historical accuracy but also for addressing the grievances of the displaced and ensuring that their stories are no longer buried under political considerations.


Global acknowledgment of the Jammu Massacre is also critical for building trust among Kashmiri Muslims, who see the massacre as an embodiment of the systemic injustices they have faced. Acknowledging this tragedy would serve as a step toward healing historical wounds and could pave the way for reconciliation between communities within Jammu and Kashmir. It would also send a clear message that the international community values human rights and justice over geopolitical expediency.


The path forward must involve international acknowledgment of the atrocities, comprehensive documentation of survivor testimonies, and efforts to amplify the voices of those affected. Only through such measures can the victims of the Jammu Massacre receive the recognition they deserve, and only by addressing these historical injustices can the ongoing tensions in Kashmir be resolved. For the victims’ descendants and for Kashmiri Muslims who continue to seek autonomy, revisiting this painful past is an essential step toward achieving lasting peace and justice in the region.

 

Nida Awais is student of Peace and Conflict Studies at National Defence University and intern at Kashmir Institute of International Relations.

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