Chapter 217: Hidden pass of kashmir
Punjab border near Jhelum, Kohala Valley, morning of 21st April 1557
The Jhelum River, which originates at Verinag Spring, is one of the major rivers for the Punjab region, often linking to Kashmir. However, due to the treacherous terrain, it was hard to follow its origin which was set in foot of Pir Panjal ranges.
After the Supreme Commander of the Northern Imperial Corps passed the order to track the rivers for hidden passes, this river also came under scrutiny, and finally after two days, they found a suitable place to cross into Kashmir. It was the Kohala pass, from where they could infiltrate the rear of Muzaffarabad.
Had these wars not occurred, this area might have remained hidden until the British eventually built a bridge 300 years later. But now, unaware and unaffected by future events, General Rudra sent 3,000 of his forces to capture this valley, where crossing the river was possible due to its shallow waters.
Faujdar Phula Singh, now commander of the 3,000-man division, finally reached the riverbank after crossing the forest terrain. They set up camp in the forest and gathered near a clearing, lighting a campfire.
The front row was occupied by ten sardars (captains) who formed a circle around Phula Singh, the head of the forces. The rest of the soldiers sat in a similar clearing, spread around the tents.
The atmosphere was heavy with the chill of the morning. Everyone was wrapped in shawls, their breath rising in smoke as they sipped warm stew from bowls to keep themselves warm.
Phula Singh, clad in chain mail armor and wrapped in a shawl, inquired, taking a sip, "So, what is the report from the scouts, Sardar Bhola?"
Bhola, dressed in similar attire and warming his hands by the fire, retracted his hands into his shawl after being called upon and replied, "Commander, the crossing is heavily guarded by the Ladakhi soldiers. It seems they knew we would be coming."
Phula Singh nodded and asked, "Alright, brief the others on what the scouts have confirmed."
Bhola looked at the others and continued, "They have barricaded the crossing with palisade walls, anticipating our discovery. They have Chinese cannons at their side, whose range is unconfirmed, and unkown handguns in their ranks. Their rangers are stationed in newly constructed outposts, with at least three men atop each, since the area offers no cover. Furthermore, they have constructed a small wooden fort in the middle of the crossing, with around 500 soldiers stationed in the river. However, their total strength remains unknown, as the main force can stay hidden."
Phula Singh took another sip, finishing his stew. He set the bowl down and picked up a twig, drawing lines in the soil to capture everyone’s attention. He passed the twig to Bhola Singh and said, "Mark the locations based on that: circle for the outpost and a cross for the fort."