The Liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan: A Historic Struggle for Freedom from Dogra Rule

By Muhammad Haroon

The liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan on November 1, 1947, marks a significant chapter in the region’s history. It was not just a rebellion but a decisive step toward self-determination and unity with Pakistan. This pivotal day commemorates the courage and resilience of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, who rose against the oppressive Dogra rule, ending years of exploitation and asserting their right to self-governance. The events leading to November 1 reflect the complex history of a region at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, whose people had long suffered under a rule they never accepted.

The origins of Dogra rule in Gilgit-Baltistan can be traced back to the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846. Through this treaty, the British sold the region, then part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, to Maharaja Gulab Singh for a substantial sum. Under Dogra rule, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan endured heavy taxation, forced labor, and repression. The area’s distinct cultural and ethnic identity was neglected by the Dogra administration, which imposed policies that marginalized the local population. These decades of oppression planted the seeds of resistance, as the people yearned for liberation from the foreign rule imposed upon them.

The geographic location of Gilgit-Baltistan has always been a source of both interest and tension. Nestled at the confluence of Central and South Asia, the region offered strategic value for the British Empire and the Dogra rulers. It provided a key position for overseeing the trade routes between Asia’s major regions and acted as a buffer against potential Russian expansion into British-held India. This strategic interest led the British to lease the Gilgit Agency from the Maharaja in 1935, granting them control over the region’s administration while reducing the influence of the Dogra rulers. Although the British returned control of Gilgit-Baltistan to the Maharaja in August 1947, their influence had already introduced a new dynamic in the region, with the local population increasingly seeking autonomy and relief from Dogra oppression.

Under the Dogra regime, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan bore the brunt of heavy taxes, forced labor, and a lack of political representation. This period of hardship fueled widespread resentment, as local ethnic groups felt sidelined and exploited. The dissatisfaction culminated in a heightened awareness of their unique identity and the need to assert it through self-determination.

One of the most critical developments during British control was the formation of the Gilgit Scouts, a paramilitary force trained by the British. The Gilgit Scouts were established to maintain law and order in the region and counter potential foreign threats. However, they would later play a crucial role in the region’s liberation. Trained in military tactics and possessing an intimate knowledge of the terrain, the Scouts became the vanguard of the rebellion, turning their skills against the Dogra forces they were initially meant to protect.

The 1947 partition of British India into the independent states of India and Pakistan created a complex political situation in the princely states, including Jammu and Kashmir. The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, initially sought to remain independent but ultimately signed an Instrument of Accession to India. However, this move did not align with the aspirations of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, who had no loyalty to the Maharaja and overwhelmingly favored joining Pakistan.

On November 1, 1947, just a few months after the partition, the long-standing discontent among the people of Gilgit-Baltistan reached its breaking point. The Gilgit Scouts, led by British Major William Brown, launched a rebellion against the Dogra garrison stationed in Gilgit. In a well-coordinated effort, the Scouts swiftly took control of key installations, capturing Dogra officers and effectively ending Dogra rule over the region. This bold uprising not only marked a military victory but also symbolized the rejection of years of exploitation and the assertion of the people’s desire to determine their own future.

Following their successful uprising, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan declared independence from Dogra rule. In the aftermath of the rebellion, local leaders swiftly organized to maintain control and ensure stability within the region. Recognizing their shared cultural and religious affinity with Pakistan, these leaders formally sought accession to Pakistan in late November 1947.

Pakistan accepted the request, integrating Gilgit-Baltistan under its administrative framework, marking the beginning of a new era for the region. For the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, this move was not merely an administrative shift; it was an expression of their collective aspiration to be part of a nation that respected their cultural identity and valued their autonomy.

The liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan is commemorated annually in Pakistan as a symbol of the region’s resilience, unity, and dedication to self-determination. It stands as a testament to the courage of the Gilgit Scouts and the people who resisted the Dogra regime despite limited resources and political isolation. This legacy continues to be a source of pride for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.

Beyond its historical significance, the liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan carries a powerful message for contemporary struggles for autonomy and self-determination. The events of November 1, 1947, underline the importance of unity and collective action in the face of oppression. They highlight the enduring relevance of self-determination and the right of people to govern themselves according to their own values and aspirations.

The liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan on November 1 is not only a historic milestone but a profound reminder of the strength and resilience of its people. Their courage to stand against an oppressive rule and their unwavering commitment to aligning with Pakistan illustrate the enduring spirit of independence that defines the region. Each year, as Pakistan celebrates the anniversary of Gilgit-Baltistan’s liberation, it honors the bravery of those who fought for freedom and commemorates the deep bond that has connected the region to the rest of Pakistan.

Today, as Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan continue to navigate their shared future, the events of November 1, 1947, serve as an inspiring example of the power of unity, resilience, and the will to forge a destiny of one’s own making. The liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan remains a cornerstone in Pakistan’s history, a symbol of self-determination, and a tribute to the enduring values of justice and freedom.