Footnotes in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war -The forgotten liberation of Turtuk

On December 16, 1971, amidst the cold, snow-laden peaks of the Shyok Valley in the Turtuk sector, 580 square kilometres of Pakistan-occupied Baltistan were liberated by the Indian Army under the leadership of Major Rinchen of the Nubra Guards. However, with India’s victory in the 1971 war, attention shifted to the eastern border, and the story of Turtuk’s liberation was overshadowed, never finding its rightful place in public memory.

Occupation of Gilgit -Baltistan

Gilgit and Baltistan were part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which acceded to the Dominion of India on October 26, 1947. Under the guise of "tribals," the Pakistani Army attacked Jammu and Kashmir, occupying areas such as Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Baramulla, and Uri. In Gilgit, a mutiny was orchestrated by a section of Muslim soldiers in the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces, along with the Gilgit Scouts, leading to Gilgit's illegal annexation by Pakistan.

Throughout 1947–1948, the Pakistani Army invaded Baltistan and Ladakh but was repelled by the brave Indian Army. During this period, the Ladakh Scouts were raised, and a 17-year-old Rinchen played a pivotal role in saving Nubra and Leh from falling into Pakistani hands. However, a UN-mandated ceasefire on December 31, 1948, halted the Indian Army’s progress, preventing the liberation of additional territory. This ceasefire line eventually evolved into the present-day Line of Control (LoC).

In 1971, the plan to liberate the Turtuk sector from Pakistani occupation began on 8 December 1971 and continued until 14 December. The strategic peak Pt 18,402 was captured. Following this, the Chalunkha defense complex of the Pakistan Army was also taken. Both victories came at the cost of heavy losses. On 14 December, the village of Turtuk was liberated, followed by Tyakshi. The villages Panchathang, Thang, Tyakshi, Turtuk, and Chalunkha were liberated and retained by India during the Shimla Agreement.

Balti Culture of Turtuk villages

The villagers have completely integrated into India, and the Indian flag flies high in the region. The Balti people, who are Noorbakshi Shia Muslims, engage in devotional singing and dancing. Turtuk is renowned for its apricots. The Indian Army runs schools in the region, and the children from the villages study in these schools. According to the 2011 census, the literacy rate is approximately 82%.

The region has been connected through roads and bridges, and the Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured a steady water supply, even during the harsh winter months. In 2010, Turtuk was opened to tourists, leading to the development of homestays and guest houses. Following the 2019 creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Apricot Blossom Festival has been celebrated, adding to the region's cultural and tourist appeal.

Major Rinchen addressing the Liberated villagers -16 December 1971 - The inhabitants of Turtuk , liberated 23 years after occupation were welcomed back by Major Rinchen .

Relationship between Dehradun and Turtuk Baltis

The Baltis have historical links with British hill stations, especially Mussoorie and the city of Dehradun. During winters, mule owners would descend from Baltistan to these regions. However, after the ceasefire, many mule owners were left stranded in Dehradun, while their religious heads remained in Pakistan-occupied Baltistan.

A Balti named Ali Ahmed, during a visit to Ladakh, discovered that Balti children had no access to Noorbakshi Sufi education. Over time, the Baltis began settling in a village called Ambari in Vikasnagar, Dehradun, where their population is currently around 900.

In 1998, a madrasa named ‘Madrasa Sufia Noorbakshia’ was established and officially registered. The madrasa provides education in both religious and modern subjects, including science, mathematics, Hindi, English, social studies, and computers. Children from the Turtuk region come here to study.

Many Balti students from Turtuk pursue their schooling and college education in Dehradun, often earning degrees from the Central University of Garhwal. As a result, the Balti villagers are becoming fully integrated into Indian culture, with many returning to Ladakh for better employment prospects.

Challenges faced by the liberated Balti Villages

Skardu in Baltistan was the winter capital of the Ladakh Wazarat. The government machinery had begun shifting when the Gilgit mutiny took place. Baltistan was subsequently invaded by the Pakistan Army. After occupying Baltistan, the Pakistan Army advanced into Ladakh. The Indian Army successfully pushed back the Pakistani forces to the present-day Line of Control (LoC) when the UN-mandated ceasefire was implemented on 31 December 1948 at midnight.

This led to the separation of families; those who had crossed into the occupied areas were trapped there, and those who remained in India were trapped here. As a result, families were divided across the LoC. After 1971, residents of the Turtuk sector were reunited with India, but some of their family members still remain in Pakistan-occupied Baltistan.

Post-reunification, Pakistani propaganda continued from across the border, telling the villagers that they were Pakistanis. When TV towers and mobile towers were being installed, elders opposed these developments, citing Pakistani propaganda that had brainwashed their youth. At present, Pakistani propaganda is having less impact, as youngsters can access information about the sorry state of Pakistan-occupied Baltistan via social media.

Another challenge the Noorbakshi villages face is the conversion of their youth to Sunni and other Shia sects. During Hajj and visits to Islamic sites, many youths were converted to Sunni and Shia sects. This resulted in a decrease in Noorbakshi sect followers. Consequently, elders opposed TV, mobile phones, and travel outside Turtuk to prevent conversions. This remains an ongoing challenge, as attempts to isolate the youth have not been successful.

Present status of Turtuk vs Pakistan occupied Baltistan

The liberation of Turtuk in 1971 is an event relegated to the footnotes of history. However, it gave India a significant geopolitical advantage. The inhabitants of the Turtuk sector have fully integrated into India. All government of India schemes are being implemented, with road connectivity, water pipelines that do not freeze in winter, toilets, schools, primary health centers, and more being built. Tourism is bringing prosperity. When residents compare their lives with those under Pakistani occupation, they consider themselves fortunate.

The Baltis in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan are persecuted for their faith. Sectarian violence against Shias and Noorbakshis has been ongoing. On one occasion, Baltis came to the LOC and demanded it be opened, asking to be allowed to enter India as they were citizens of India.

The Baltis revere the Swastik as Yungdrung and are working to preserve their language and script. The liberated villages are safe from any religious persecution. Bhotia has been recognized as an official language, Balti culture is being preserved, and various festivals showcase this rich heritage.

The liberation of Turtuk reminds us of the unfinished task of liberating Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan.