difficult than the rest.

1. Junagadh was a small state on the coast of Saurashtra surrounded by Indian Territory without any geographical contiguity with Pakistan. Yet it’s Nawab Mohabbat Khan announced accession of his state to Pakistan on August 15, 1947 even though majority of the people, overwhelmingly Hindu, desired to join India.

People of the state organized a popular movement and a group of Junagarhi people forced the Nawab to flee and formed Aarze Hukumat (Provisional government) it was led by Samal Das Gandhi. The Dewan of Junagadh, Shah Nawaz Bhutto, the father of the more famous Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto now decided to invite the Government of India to intervene. Indian troops marched into the state. Later, a plebiscite was held in state in 20 February 1948, which favoured joining India.

2. In the state of Kashmir, The Hindu ruler of the state Hari Singh, did not wish to merge with India and tried to negotiate with Indian and Pak to have an independent status for his state. Since majority population of the state was Muslim, the Pakistani leaders thought the Kashmir region 'belonged' to them.

The popular movement in the state, led by Sheikh Abdullah, wanted to get rid of the Maharaja, but was against joining Pak. Sheikh Abdullah formed the National conference which was a secular organization & had a long association with the Congress. Abdullah asked Dogra dynasty to quit and hand over the power to people.

On 15th August Hari Singh offered standstill agreement with both countries which would allow the free movement of people and goods. Pakistan signed the agreement but India

didn’t and followed the policy of wait and watch. Pakistan became impatient and started violating standstill agreement. Mehar Chand Mahajan then prime minister of Kashmir complained this to British government for economic blockade and breach of standstill agreement. Reports of atrocities against the Muslim population of Poonch by the Maharajah’s forces further stokes a civil unrest aginst the ruler. On 22nd October several pathan tribesmen unofficially led by Pakistan’s army officer invaded the state from north and reached up to Baramullah, were further advancing towards Srinagar.

On 24th October Hari Singh asked for military assistance from Indian government. Mountbatten pointed out that India can send its troops only after the state sign a formal instrument of accession. V. P. Menon went to Kashmir and on 26th October Maharaja signed instrument of accession and also agreed upon Abdullah being appointed as the Head of the state administration. On the morning of 27 October nearly 100 Indian planes airlifted men and weapons to Srinagar. Pakistan army left the main valley region but continue to occupy a large chunk of territory of gilgit, baltistan region. National conference volunteers worked with the Indian Army to drive out the Pakistan infiltrators. Sheikh Abdullah became the Prime Minister. In November 1947 Mountbatten flew to Lahore on a peace mission. There took place a meeting with Jinnah but no agreement could be made. Jinnah described that Kashmir accession is based upon fraud and violence. Nehru wrote to Harisingh that he wants a final solution to Kashmir.