Sepoy Maqbool Hussain
| Maqbool Hussain in March 2009 | |
| Name | مقبول حسین |
|---|---|
| Date Of Birth | 1940 (Tarar Khel, Kashmir, British India) (present-day (Azad Jammu and Kashmir), Pakistan) |
| Died | 28 August 2018 (aged 77–78) Attock, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Buried | Tarar Khel Tehsil, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan |
| loyalty | (Pakistan) |
| Service | (Pakistan Army) |
| Years of service | 1960-1965 |
| Rank | (Sepoy) |
| Army Service number | 335139 |
| Unit No | (4th Azad Kashmir Regiment) |
| Battles / war | (Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 Second) (Operation Gibraltar) |
| Award | (Sitara-e-Jurat) |
Sepoy Maqbool Hussain epitomizes bravery and steadfast allegiance to Pakistan. His narrative, frequently disregarded in conventional accounts, is that of a soldier who withstood unspeakable adversities and torment as a prisoner of war yet stayed steadfast in his allegiance to his country. Captured during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, he endured decades of imprisonment in India, enduring severe treatment and psychological distress while steadfastly refusing to betray Pakistan. His life and experiences serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by unrecognized heroes in the performance of their duties.
Early Life and Background
- Birthplace: Sepoy Maqbool Hussain was born in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. He was raised in a modest, patriotic family that instilled principles of bravery, devotion, and commitment to one’s nation. The picturesque, mountainous area he inhabited would eventually transform into a crucial battleground in his life.
- Education: Maqbool Hussain obtained his foundational education in his community. Similar to numerous young men of his era, he was profoundly impacted by the military presence in the area and developed a reverence for the soldiers who safeguarded the boundaries. His inadequate schooling did not dissuade him from striving to enlist in the Pakistan Army, and he followed his objective with resolute persistence.
Enlisting in the Pakistan Army
- Enlistment Date and Procedure: Motivated by a fervent patriotism, Maqbool enlisted in the Pakistan Army in the early 1960s. His perseverance and determination secured him a position as a “sipahi” (soldier) in the Pakistan Army. As a soldier, he underwent intensive training, equipping him to defend his homeland against any foe.
- Rank: He held the position of (Sepoy), a private rank in the Pakistan Army, tasked with frontline responsibilities. His rank signifies the altruistic position he assumed, serving on the front lines during one of the most tumultuous epochs in the region’s history.
- Army Number: Maqbool Hussain’s distinctive army number was 335139, representing his official affiliation with the Pakistan Army and his enduring commitment to the nation.
Assistance and the 1965 Indo-Pakistani Conflict
- Involvement in the 1965 War: During the outbreak of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Sepoy Maqbool Hussain was assigned to the frontline. He showed exceptional bravery, safeguarding his position and combating heroically for Pakistan.
- Capture by the Indian Army: In a violent confrontation, Maqbool Hussain sustained injuries and was apprehended by the Indian Army. His capture signified the commencement of a prolonged ordeal that would profoundly challenge his resilience and patriotism.
Incarceration and Torture in India
- Circumstances of Captivity: Following his apprehension, (Maqbool Hussain was transported to an Indian penitentiary), where he endured extreme torture. The Indian soldiers subjected him to persistent interrogation, coercing him for intelligence regarding Pakistan’s military actions and attempting to compel him to renounce his allegiance to his nation.
- Refusal to Condemn Pakistan: Despite enduring severe torture, Sepoy Maqbool Hussain declined to disparage Pakistan. His silence enraged his captors, who retaliated by imposing lengthy isolation, psychological torment, and severe physical violence. He was subjected to physical assault, deprived of fundamental human necessities, and confined under severe conditions. In an attempt to compel him to renounce his loyalty, they imposed even more severe suffering, but Maqbool remained resolute.
- Duration of Imprisonment: Maqbool Hussain endured an extraordinary 40 years in confinement, maintaining his allegiance to Pakistan despite the seclusion and absence of prospects for liberation. His perseverance, despite decades of imprisonment, demonstrates his profound love and dedication to his motherland.
Freedom of Sepoy Maqbool Hussain
- Freedom: Maqbool Hussain was not only a dedicated soldier but also a devout Muslim. The Indian army sent a girl to him in an attempt to get secrets about Pakistan. However, when she met him, she realized that he was a true Muslim, steadfast in his beliefs. Moved by his integrity, the girl, with the help of a soldier, orchestrated his escape from prison. Unfortunately, those who assisted Maqbool Hussain faced severe punishment from the Indian Army for their actions. The Indian Army captured Sepoy Maqbool Hussain and imprisoned him again.
- Liberation and Return to Pakistan: Sepoy Maqbool Hussain was ultimately liberated by Indian authorities in 2005. He was abandoned near the (Wagah Border), from which he returned to Pakistan, weakened and traumatized yet ultimately liberated. His comeback exemplified persistence and quiet strength as he set foot on Pakistani territory after four decades.
Return and Identity Disclosure
- Self-Introduction: Upon his return, he identified himself by inscribing his army number 335139 on walls, attempting to convey to anyone nearby that he was Sepoy Maqbool Hussain of the Pakistan Army. His horrific experiences in captivity adversely affected his speech, hindering his verbal communication.
- Expression of Distress: Despite his limited verbal ability, Maqbool utilized gestures to articulate the adversities he faced. He displayed to his compatriots the scars and bruises he endured, serving as a living monument to the savagery he experienced for his nation. His silence and unwavering dedication epitomized his sacrifice.
Recent Years and Heritage
- Demise and Interment: Sepoy Maqbool Hussain expired on August 28, 2018. He received a hero’s farewell, and his funeral was attended by senior military leaders, civilians, and relatives. He was interred in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, his birthplace, where he ultimately attained tranquility following a lifetime of hardship and sacrifice.
- Commemorating His Sacrifice: The Pakistan Army and the nation acknowledged Sepoy Maqbool Hussain’s fidelity and valour, designating him as a national hero. His narrative perpetually inspires forthcoming generations of Pakistanis, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices rendered by troops who remained steadfast in their commitment to their nation.
Conclusion
The narrative of Sepoy Maqbool Hussain exemplifies extraordinary valour, fidelity, and resilience. His prolonged suffering, steadfast resilience over insurmountable adversity, and unshakable affection for Pakistan render him a genuine hero. Although he endured a significant portion of his life in confinement, his legacy endures in the hearts of Pakistanis as a symbol of patriotism. His journey exemplifies that the essence of sacrifice transcends boundaries and adversities, and figures such as Maqbool Hussain will eternally be revered as protectors of their nation.
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