Islamabad — November 09 marks the day when Junagadh, a significant princely state of the subcontinent, was brought under India’s illegal control through force. The completion of 78 years since this tragic event serves as a grim reminder of a dark historical reality for many, particularly in Pakistan.
In 1947, during the partition of the subcontinent, Junagadh was among several independent and sovereign states that fell victim to India’s coercive and unlawful occupation. Following the will of the majority of its leaders and populace, the Junagadh State Council had approved the decision to accede to Pakistan.
Despite this accession, Indian politician Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel exerted immense pressure on the then Nawab of Junagadh to reverse his decision. When diplomatic efforts failed, India enforced a border blockade and ultimately established military control over the state by force on November 9, 1947.
Human rights reports detail severe atrocities committed by the Indian forces during the occupation, including widespread instances of mass murder, rape, and destruction of Muslim properties belonging to the local population. According to the Ministry of Human Rights, the persecution of minorities continues today under India’s administration.
Pakistan continues to regard India’s seizure of Junagadh as a blatant violation of international law and regularly raises the issue at the United Nations platform.
