The first war between India and Pakistan very often triggered independence in October 1947 and ended in December 1948 with UN mediation, carried out on January 1, 1949. It was also known as the First Kashmir War, fought for the accession of Kashmir between the two countries. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Importance of Kashmir Kashmir was a predominantly Muslim region, strategically located between India and Pakistan. This was the only way to access the Chinese border, which could be important for future relations and trade. Thus, Pakistan was not in favor of a compromise on Kashmir. The Muslim-majority areas of Kashmir were ruled by Hindu Dogra. Dogra Maharaja was unable to decide which state to join as the British felt that princely states should join India or Pakistan based on their geographical location and demographics. Hostilities began in October 1947. Hostilities began in October when a tribal rebellion broke out in the Poonch region of southwest Kashmir. On October 20, the Pakistan Army entered the scene to support the tribal forces to capture Uri, Jhangar, Rajuara and Naushera. The objective of the Pakistani army was to capture Srinagar, the “capital of Kashmir”. On October 22, a group of Lashkar tribesmen also entered the Kashmir valley from Abbottabad. Tribal and Pakistani forces arrested the Kashmiri battalion in Muzaffarabad on October 23. On October 26, they surrounded Srinagar. All activities of Pakistani forces were less successful as Pakistani forces encountered fierce resistance in Uri until the fall. After the fall of Uri, the Pak and tribal forces advanced towards Srinagar. The Pakistani army left with sustained forces to hold Uri. Indian intervention When Pakistani forces managed to capture and encircle Srinagar, Maharaja appeared to have defeated and sought support from India. India agreed immediately and put a condition that Kashmir would be part of India. The Maharaja and Prime Minister of Kashmir accepted and signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947. Indian forces airlifted troops for the operation to end the court incursion into Kashmir on 27 october. During the Indian intervention, Quaid-e-Azam ordered to enter the army in Kashmir. General Gracy (Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army) did not obey the order. This was a case of betrayal. Field Marshal Auchinleck, of the joint command of the Indian and Pakistani armed forces, threatened Quaid that an act of invasion of Kashmir would automatically remove all British officers serving in the Pakistani army. This ultimatum had the effect of depriving Pakistan of its command structure, as at that time most of the officers in the Pakistani army were British. India saw an opportunity and deployed the 161st Infantry Brigade and stopped the advance of the tribal forces. In November 1947, the 161st Brigade using heavy armored vehicles counterattacked, broke through the defenses and advanced towards Srinagar. They initially repelled the Pakistani-backed forces and returned power to Srinagar while capturing Baramula and Uri. Moreover, they were not ready to fight in the mountains. The Indians did not have experience of high altitude nor were they prepared for the cold. While Pakistani forces were experienced in these situations and forces supported by the army.