THE war in Kashmir raged on, the morning soaked with rain and the smell of explosives lingering from the blasting of rocks to make way for guns, near the small town of Kotli. Recently wrested from the Maharaja and Indian forces, it was a hotbed of conflict.
Major Khalil ur Rehman was directing his officers and men when the mountain above them began to shake with a terrifying noise. Recognizing the danger, his company’s second-in-command, Lieutenant, destined for greater ranks, (Major General), and Company Subedar ran for cover. But Major Khalil ur Rehman, assessing that the mountain stones would fall away, moved towards the base of the mountain. Sadly, his assumption was incorrect. Without warning, the entire mountain collapsed, burying Major Khalil ur Rehman alive under thousands of tons of stone and debris. Major Khalil ur Rehman embraced Shahadat, a martyr to his unwavering commitment, leaving behind a legacy of bravery etched in the hearts of all who knew him.
For three days, Pakistan Engineers worked tirelessly to retrieve his body. When they finally succeeded, it was in such a state that it could not be transferred. It was decided to bury him on the mountaintop, where Rehman Bridge Kotli now stands. The bridge was named in his honor, and a road in Jhelum Cantt was also dedicated to him, known as Maj Khalil-ur-Rehman Shaheed Road.
Major Khalil ur Rehman was commissioned in the 15 Punjab Regiment Muhammadi in 1942 and served in Burma during WW-II. After independence in 1947, he was transferred to the Corps of Engineers upon the departure of the British. He embraced Shahadat in Kotli Sector on April 10, 1949. He was an icon of courage and determination, leaving behind four sons.
His eldest son, Brigadier Tariq Khalil, earned the Sitara Jurat in the 1965 and 1971 wars and was awarded the Imtiazi Sanad for gallantry twice during those conflicts. He was also bestowed with the Award of Sitara Imtiaz. Brigadier Tariq Khalil commanded as Commander Artillery in the 1889-90 Kotli Chamb sector, where his father embraced Shahadat.
—The writer is a senior researcher and analyst. He regularly contributes to the national press.
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