Captain Abdullah Khan

Captain Abdullah khan is among those freedom fighters who commanded Sudhnoti fighters; he fought against Doggra and Indian army for one and a half year. Captain Abdullah khan was born in Pallandri in 1910. His father's name was Fazal Khan. He joined army in 1926; took part in Second World War and was appointed at different locations with Captain Hussein Khan of Rawalakot. In 1947 when Pakistan came in to being thousands of people migrated to Pakistan after leaving behind the entire in India, their rehabilitation was a huge dilemma. In those critical circumstances captain Abdullah khan was appointed in Punjab and the duty allotted to him was not only their shifting but also their security. Soon he came to knew that environment in Kashmir is getting serious so he came to Kashmir.

In the first week of October Doggra army ran from Azad Pattan and then from Pallandri. On 7^th October a war council was founded to take control of the area and to secure the area which was freed from Doggra Army. Mean while Captain Hussein Khan gets information from his sources that Doggra Army is planning to get control of Pallandri again by invading through Kotli. The situation was very critical; Captain Hussein Khan came to Pallandri and called Captain Abdulla Khan, met him as both remain in the English army together so they had good relation. Captain Hussein Khan told him about the situation and asked him to start preparation to fight against Doggra Army and defend the area. Captain Abdullah Khan gathered army trained people from Pallandri and surrounding areas; mean while Sakhi dalair Khan came to the area from Hajira as he was the native of a village Sersavah (District Kotali). He was given the command  because he was well aware of the area. Captain Abdullah Khan was made second in command. These freedom fighters took positions near Sersavah stream and attacked Doggra Army. Doggra Army again attacked but they were defeated by these brave soldiers. Afterwards freedom fighters surrounded Kotli, captain Abdullah Khan was among them. He commanded a battalion among three Sudhan brigade. This battalion was later taken as 16-Ak part of Azad Kashmir regiment.

16-Ak after its formation combined with Sudhan brigade and fought against Indian army. On 27 November 1947 Kotli was concurred. Indian army was pushed to Nowshera. Freedom fighters chased them but in Nowshera Indian army was able to form a strong defense as they got fresh supply of weapons moreover air defense also arrived for their help. Freedom fighters called for heavy weapon but unfortunately they did not get the weapons on time and the whole scenario was changed. Many sons of Sudhnoti gave their lives for the nation in the surroundings of Nowshera. Many freedom fighters were martyred (Shahadat) among them were two brothers of Ghazai Sher Dil khan of Baral. On one side scanty weapons, death of many freedom fighters and shortage of other important stuff arise and on Indian army side fresh weapons along with large number of fresh soldiers let the Indian army to advance toward Rahjori. Though Indian army advanced toward Rahjori but the freedom fighters of Sudhnoti never let them to advance toward Kotli. Captain Abdullah Khan’s battalion scarified many lives but they always remained on front foot to defend their area. The battalion attacked a mountain called Peer Badasar on November 1947 and gave severe injuries to the enemy. The battalion occupied few areas but the brigade commander ordered to cease fire as the freedom fighters damage was increasing day by day.

Till the war ended Captain Abdullah khan commanded the battalion—so he remained on battle field for one year and four month. He was awarded the title of ‘Sher e Jang’ for his bravery on the battle field. He engaged himself in political and social activities after retirement from army. He lived a long life. He died at the age of 93 in July 2003.

Written By: Masood Ahmad Khan

Translated By: Shafaq Akhlaq

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