Battle of Pandu
1947 battle in the Indo-Pakistani war / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Battle of Pandu,[12] also known as Operation Pandu,[note 2] was a pivotal engagement in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1947-1948. Fought in the Pandu massif along the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road in Kashmir, the battle centered on control of the strategically important high ground.[14] The Pakistani forces at Chakothi faced a disadvantage to Indian troops on the dominating peaks,[15] The Indian force planned an offensive towards Muzaffarabad through Pandu.[16] Having earlier lost key positions in Pandu to an Indian offensive, Pakistan launched a counter-operation to retake the area, ultimately led to the capture of the Pandu area.[17]
Battle of Pandu | |||||||||
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Part of Indo-Pakistani war of 1947-1948 and Kashmir conflict | |||||||||
Pandu in Azad Kashmir (Pakistan) on a map | |||||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||||
Dominion of Pakistan | Dominion of India | ||||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
Maj. Gen. Akbar Khan Tribal commander: |
Lt. Col. Tur[9] Brig. Khanna (WIA) Gen. K.S. Thimayya Commander Sher Singh (WIA)[2] Lt. Jasod Singh (WIA)[10] | ||||||||
Units involved | |||||||||
Regulars: Pakistan Army Irregulars: Tribesmen |
Land forces: Indian Army Airforce: Indian Air Force | ||||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||||
100 Killed[1] |
309 Killed[1] 1 aircraft shot down[11] |
After the unsuccessful summer offensive towards Muzaffarabad from Pandu, the Indian forces launched preparations for a new offensive originating from Jammu. This operation aimed to push westward and northward to relieve Poonch and other areas from Pakistani control.[18] Lieutenant General Bajwa of the Indian Army acknowledged the Pakistani forces for holding their positions. These posts, currently under Pakistani control, offer a strategically advantageous view of the Uri valley in Indian-administered Kashmir, south of the Jhelum River.[19]