Hyderabad Police action, 5/5 GR (FF) September 1948
Hyderabad – one of the largest and richest princely states had a greater number of Hindus as subjects than Muslims. By 15 August 1947, the Government of Hydrabad had not reached any settlement with the Government of India. The recourse to the ‘Stand Still Agreement’ – the only exception made by the Government of India – did not work.
As matters came to a head the Government decided to resolve the issue by force. The largest component of the task force was none other than the infantry comprising some old and famous battalions.
Major General El Edroos (at right) offers his surrender of the Hyderabad State Forces to Major General (later General and Army Chief) Joyanto Nath Chaudhuri at Secunderabad
Operations commenced on the morning of 13 September 1948. The sizable Hyderabad force under Major General El Edroos, their Arabian Commander-in-Chief, surrendered on the evening of 17 September 1948.
During these operations Havildar Bachittar Singh of 2 SIKH was posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra Class 1 for his bravery. Naik Narbahadur Thapa of 5/5 Gorkha Rifles similarly decorated for his most conspicuous gallantry.
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