On October 26, 1947, Jammu & Kashmir acceded to India. On this day, the then ruler Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession. Following this, Maharaja Hari Singh sought assistance from the Indian army to fight forces supported by Pakistan in Kashmir.
A day after signing the accession document, on October 27, 1947, India's then Governor-General Lord Mountbatten accepted the accession. This led to Jammu & Kashmir being officially declared as an integral part of India in the constitution.
Pakistan-Backed Tribals Attacked Kashmir
On October 24, 1947, early in the morning, thousands of tribal forces attacked Kashmir. It is said that Pakistani soldiers were disguised as tribals. In this scenario, Maharaja Hari Singh requested help from India. However, since Jammu & Kashmir was not yet a part of India, the Indian army couldn't assist immediately.
Pakistan's Persistent Claim on Kashmir
After independence, when Pakistan emerged as a separate nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah eyed Kashmir. He believed that since Kashmir had a Muslim majority, Pakistan should have rights over it. Thus, he orchestrated a tribal attack on Jammu & Kashmir.
After the Tribal Attack, Hari Singh Sought India's Support
Following the tribal attack, Maharaja Hari Singh left Srinagar for Jammu on the night of October 25 at 2 AM. He then communicated his readiness to sign the accession document with India. On October 26, he signed the document, merging Jammu & Kashmir with India.
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Indian Army Entered Kashmir Post-Accession
On October 27, for the first time, the Indian army moved towards Kashmir, arriving at Srinagar's airstrip via aircraft. Post accession, the Indian Army took charge in Jammu & Kashmir. By October 27, Indian troops reached Srinagar, liberating Kashmir from invaders.
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Key Historical Events
October 26, 1774 - The First Continental Congress of America adjourned in Philadelphia.
October 26, 1858 - H.E. Smith patented the washing machine.
October 26, 1905 - Norway gained independence from Sweden.
October 26, 1994 - A landmark peace treaty signed between Israel and Jordan at Arava crossing.
October 26, 1976 - Republic of Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from Britain.
