October 14–15, 1947: A Key Chapter in Kashmir’s Freedom Movement

On July 19, 1947, the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference passed a resolution in favour of Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan, expressing the political aspirations of Kashmiri Muslims.

The Maharaja’s plans to accede to India and the oppression by Dogra forces further strengthened the resistance among the local population.

In October 1947, local Kashmiris and former soldiers took part in resistance against Dogra forces in Sarsawa and the surrounding areas of Kotli.

Raja Sakhi Diler Khan played a prominent role in the struggle against Dogra rule in Sarsawa and Kotli. He later became known as the “Conqueror of Kotli.”

Sarsawa’s strategic geographical location made it an important front in the resistance against Dogra forces. The success achieved there further strengthened the Kashmir freedom movement.