Battle of Pandu
The Battle of Pandu, also known as Operation Pandu, 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. The Pakistani forces at Chakothi faced a disadvantage to Indian troops on the dominating peaks, The Indian force planned an offensive towards Muzaffarabad through Pandu. 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.
| Battle of Pandu | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |||||||||
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Maj. Gen. Akbar Khan Tribal commander: |
Lt. Col. Tur Brig. Khanna (WIA) Gen. K.S. Thimayya Commander Sher Singh (WIA) Lt. Jasod Singh (WIA) | ||||||||
| Units involved | |||||||||
|
Regulars: Pakistan Army Irregulars: Tribesmen |
Land forces: Indian Army
Airforce: Indian Air Force | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| 100 Killed |
309 Killed 1 aircraft shot down | ||||||||
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. 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.