The display of bravery and ferocity of Diroji Pashtuns in the Kashmir War

The display of bravery and ferocity of Diroji Pashtuns in the Kashmir War of 1947-1948.

Akbar Khan in his book "Raiders in Kashmir" writes: "Here (at Bagh in Azad Kashmir) also more tribesmen had joined them (local Kashmiris) – Toris from the Kurram, a lashkar from Dir, Zadrans and even Tajiks from Afghanistan and Ghilzais perhaps forming the largest part. 

Here the Diris had fought a most gallant action when they had charged an Indian unit with the sword and practically wiped it out." [page 86]

* The words in the (brackets) in the above quote are my own for clarification purpose.

Very few people are aware of the fact that many Pashtuns from Afghanistan as well as some Tajiks (as mentioned by Akbar Khan in his book) crossed the Durand line and participated in the Kashmir War of 1947-48 in the spirit of Jihad. 

Reportedly Said Akbar Babrak Zadran (who killed Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan in 1951) participated in the Kashmir war and led a lashkar of Zadrans.

 The Afghan king did not support it and wanted his subjects to remain aloof. Afghanistan also made some efforts to dissuade Pashtuns of Pakistan from the Kashmir War and asked them to instead participate in the Pashtunistan movement.

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