CHITRAL: One of the few soldiers of Chitral Scouts, who had taken part in the war for liberation of Jammu and Kashmir in 1948, Sardar Hussain died peacefully here on Thursday. He was 99.

Popularly known as Tup Pechak Miki (cannon fire uncle) here, Mr Hussain took active part as artillery man in the Kamri sector on the outskirts of Skardu to which the Chitral State Scouts laid siege in June 1948 under the command of Col Mataul Mulk, who had been sent by then ruler of Chitral, Muzaffarul Mulk.

Sardar Hussain was known for holding his position valiantly at one of the strategic places from where he showered shells of cannon on the Dogra force whenever they tried to make movement.

It was the tireless efforts of the Chitral State forces that Col Sher Jang Thapa, the commander of Dogra forces, had surrendered, leading to the liberation of Sakrdu.

Born in 1921 in Nahango Chhat Mastuj, Sardar Hussain had joined the Chitral State Scouts in 1944 as a sepoy and retired in 1960 after which he was given a task by the princely ruler of Chitral to fire cannon in Parade Ground, Chitral, at the times of Sehr and Iftar, which he continued till 1969.

In recognition of his services, former commandant of Chitral Scouts, Col Nizamuddin, held a special guard of honour ceremony in his honour in the headquarters of Chitral Scouts.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2020