[Reader-list] LADAKH WAR - SHRIDHAR KAUL DULLU

[Pawan Durani]

ROLE OF SHRIDHAR KAUL DULLU IN  LADAKH WAR
LATE Shridhari Kaul Dullu lived in Rainawari, a suburb of Srinagar. He was
truly a renaissance figure in the contemporary history of Kashmir.
Masterji, as he was popularly called was trained to teach. He admired
Buddhism and became a Buddhist by conviction. Masterji knew that
Ladakh was the ancient seat of learning and culture so far as
Buddhisim was concerned and also Ladakhis were simple people. When he
was transferred to this desolate region as ADI schools, he did not
grumble. He felt happy. Masterji loved Ladakhis, their culture and
simplicity. He created educational
awareness among them and till his last days many Ladakhi students used to
stay with him at Rainawari and seek his help in admissions. Ladakh’s
educational and political renewal is linked with his name.
Masterji was gifted with unique insights into cultural and political
processes of J&K. His magnum opus “Ladakh Through The Ages” amply reflects
this. He was a good organiser for mobilising public and building public
opinion on crucial issues. In May 1948, during Ladakh campaign, he prepared
a report on the defence of Ladakh. Braving the inhospitable terrain of
Leh-Manali track, Masterji presented this report in person to Pt Jawahar Lal
Nehru, Prime Minister. So impressed was Nehru with this assessment that he
prevailed upon Masterji to get in touch with Gen. Cariappa, then C in C and
Sardar Baldev Singh, the Defence Minister of India.

In 1947-48 Masterji found himself in a strange role. He had an appeal
cutting across communities. This aspect and his great organising abilities
made him the natural choice as organiser of National Guards for the defence
of Ladakh. National Guards proved a decisive factor in turning the tide of
war in favour of India.

The fall of Gilgit had caused serious concern and fear among Buddhists of
Ladakh. Actuely aware of the fate of non-Muslims in Skardu, Buddhists
decided to raise their own defences for Leh till Indian Army could arrive.
Masterji and the President of Young Buddhist Association, Mr K Poan Chewang
Rigzin played a crucial role in this. They prevailed upon the emergency
administration at Srinagar to take immediate steps for organising local
people in a militia, irrespective of religious affiliation as National
Guards. Fortunately DP Dhar was in-charge of Defence of Frontier. He had
keen understanding of the frontier security and wasted no time in getting
immediate State government clearance. Wazir was directed to take necessary
steps to implement this scheme and the Garrison commander at Leh was ordered
to train the recruits.

These orders were sabotaged at the local level by the Tehsildar, Abdul
Khaliq. A native of Skardu, Khaliq was alleged to be highly sectarian and a
Muslim League backer. He tried to give it a sectarian colour. Subsequently
the State government appointed Masterji as organiser of National Guards.
Masterji in this mission toured extensively all over Ladakh impressing upon
the people to enrol themselves as National Guards. He asked the people to
realise the perilous situation and undergo necessary arms training to
inflict heavy punishment on the enemy. Initially people were slow to react.
Masterji utilised festival occasions to enroll them. His efforts soon bore
fruit. In few weeks he raised about 500 volunteers. In the first week, fifty
volunteers underwent arms training. Masterji’s persuasive skills saw even
Muslims joining National Guards  in the Ladakh countryside.

While the campaigning of recruitment was in full swing, the legendary Ladakh
campaign hero, Lt Col Prithvi Chand and his able assistant Jamadar Bhim
Chand reached Leh. They had come to train the National Guards recruits.
Their timely arrival infused new hope into the hearts of defenders of Leh.
The persistent pressures of the Buddhist leadership and the personal efforts
of Masterji in Delhi saw more military reinforcements reaching Leh. 2/8
Gorkhas, numbering 150 came via Leh-Manali route. It was Masterji who as
organiser of National Guards arranged transport, food and looked after other
logistics of this detachment.

It was Masterji’s decision to shift the headquarters of the administration
to Martselang, a village 25 miles south of Leh. This was to ensure its
security. In those uncertain days Masterji’s presence in Leh had became
synonymous with high morale of the people. Whenever he stepped out of Leh
suddenly, serious misgivings would arise among the people. A community hall
in Leh stands in his memory.
Source: Kashmir Sentinel