Sunday, December 17, 2000		Response

The wounds are still fresh
By Jatinder Kumar Gupta

THE article "Mirpur Day: The wounds are still fresh" by Sansar Chandra (November 26) gave a vivid account of the fall of Mirpur and the way the residents of that city fled for life under the rain of bullets from Kabaili raiders who were assisted by Pakistan army. Those valiant people had withstood the hail of bullets from the Kabailis in those hours on darkness November 25, 1947, when Mirpur was captured and plundered. Girls and women had to throw themselves in wells, rivers or killing themselves by sword to safeguard their honour from the soldiers of Pakistani army and those devils who were out to kill innocent people of Mirpur. In fact, the innocent, unarmed and highly courageous people of that city were caught unaware by the Kabaili raiders who inflicted untold miseries by murdering them in cold blood with axes and kirpans.

The sufferings of the people were further aggravated as the saviours i.e. army who was supposed to be on their side left the unfortunate citizens of that town to fend for themselves. In fact, even the Deputy Commissioner of Mirpur District ran away leaving behind innocent souls.

The brutality and genocide on the unarmed residents is unparalleled in the history of mankind. Immediately after our India secured Independence on August 15, 1947, the trail of bloody events ensued and our ancestral city Mirpur became the target of complete annihilation.

The memories of the tragedy still linger in the hearts of survivors and even in the hearts and mind of their children. Even in those dark times, the humane spirit was not vanquished completely. A pious Muslim soul saved hundred of Hindus and Sikhs. One Shri Om Parkash Gupta who still resides in Calcutta became a Muslim and stayed behind and saved about more than 20 forlorn women and girls.

The spirit of chivalry came to the forefront in the form of Pandit Ganpati Ji who challenged the marauders and vowed that if anyone harmed the girls, he would first immolate himself and indeed he sacrificed his life for the pious cause of saving the hapless womenfolk.

It was perhaps the Almighty’s blessing that gave courage to the people of Mirpur who started their lives afresh after surviving the man-made calamity.