Chapter 16
Prime Minister of Kashmir continues...

The burden of his talk was that His Highness should trust him and hand over the administration of the State to him. He would then behave like a dutiful son and a loyal subject. Though he was swearing allegiance and loyalty to His Highness, he desired that the Maharaja should only remain as a constitutional ruler and real power should be delegated to him. After the interview, the Deputy Prime Minister and I accompanied the Sheikh and the Begum to the gates of the palace.

This was my first good look at Sheikh Abdulla and my impression was that he was out to gain power at any cost. To acquire it he would try to influence his friend, the Prime Minister of India, but would not disdain the use of any other means such as creating some kind of an uprising in the State. Soon after this interview, I the Sheikh left for Delhi.

Before formally taking my oath of office on the 15th, I had apprised myself of the political situation in the State. The leaders of the Muslim conference and some influential divines in the State were keen that the Maharaja should accede to Pakistan. They had conveyed their wishes to him in various ways. I had a talk with some of them. Without hesitation they told me that I should advise the Maharaja to accede to Pakistan and if that was done, they would always remain loyal to him and would see that he remained an independent ruler inside the Pakistan State. The Mehtar of Chitral and the Mirs of Hunza and other small chieftains continued to send telegrams to His Highness suggesting accession to Pakistan and swearing loyalty to the Maharaja if that was done. The leaders of the National Conference, however, desired accession to India. There was no love lost between Mr. Jinnah and Sheikh Abdulla. Both were thirsty for power and, therefore; there was no common meeting ground between them. The Sheikh made no secret of his feelings towards Mr. Jinnah.

to be continued....

( This account is maintained by Har Anand Publication)