REPUBLIC IN KASHMIR

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25308, 7 October 1947, Page 7

REPUBLIC IN KASHMIR

Coup Claimed By Moslem Leader

DEPOSITION OF MAHARAJAH

(Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, October 5. Reuters correspondent in Lahore says that the people of the Kashmir St&te have set up a Republican Government, according to a telegram sent to the correspondent from Rawalpindi, signed “Anwar, President, Republican Provisional Government of Kashmir.” The telegram added that the ruling family, with the termination of their

paramountcy, had lost “whatever right they claimed under the Treaty of Amritsar.” The man who signs himself president is a Moslem leader, Mr Mohammad Anwar, who has been campaigning for the accession of Kashmir to Pakistan. ‘Hie hereditary state ruler from whom Mr Anwar declares that he has seized power is the Maharajah of Jammu and Kashmir, who is one of the world’s richest men, with racehorses in three countries, numerous palaces, and priceless jewels. He is a Hindu, and until recently it was believed that Kashmir would join the Dominion of India. Most of the 4,000,000 Kashmiri are Moslems. REPLY TO PAKISTAN APPEAL AUSTRALIA OFFERS NO PRACTICAL AID LONDON, October 5. Australia’s reply is the first torfVrive in response to Pakistan’s appeal to the British Commonwealth for aid in solving the communal troubles. The reply is in most sympathetic language, nut it offers no practical aid. It observes that the Governments of India and Pakistan must find a solution of the communal problem.