Prof. Syed Mussaraf Shah
The history of Mendhar, a region nestled in the rugged mountain ranges of the Pir Panjal, is incomplete without the proud mention of those towering personalities who shaped its socio- cultural fabric, safeguarded its heritage, and preserved its dignity during times of peace as well as peril. Among these luminaries, the name of Sardar Sakhi Walayat Khan- a man of courage, humaneness, sacrifice, and unshakable moral character- shines like a beacon. His story is not merely the biography of a respected village elder, it is an account of a turbulent era in the borderlands of Mendhar, a time when the people living along the newly carved Line of Control (LOC) were undergoing massive social upheaval. His life mirrors the spirit of PrPanjal- resilient, generous, rooted in tradition and unbowed in the face of adversity. Born into the prosperous and revered household of Sardar Said Mohammad Khan of Sakhi Maidan, Sardar Sakhiwalayat Khan inherited a legacy of generosity and moral uprightness. The very name “Sakhi Maidan” carries a long tradition of hospitality and magnanimity, values imbibed naturally by him in his early upbringing. Situated close to the Indo- Pakistan border, the area would soon witness some of the most distressing phases of post- partition history. Yet, through all these challenges. The family of Sardar SakhiWalayat Khan emerged as a pillar of strength for the local population- guarding people’s honour, safeguarding their properties, and upholding justice in an era of uncertainty.
Childhood Rooted In Virtue,community:- Growing up in a household renowned across Mendhar for its philanthropy, Sardar SakhiWalayat Khan learnedthe importance of compassion at an early age. His father, Sardar Said Mohammad Khan, commanded immense respect throughout the region. Prosperity, in their family, was never seen as a privilege but a responsibility – an opportunity to stand by the poor, feed the hungry, and shelter the displaced. This sense of duty formed the bedrock of Sardar SakhiWalayat Khan’s personality. As he matured, he became well known for his calm demeanor, innate leadership qualities, and an ability to mediate conflicts impartially-traits that later made him one of the most trusted men of Mendhar.
Mendhar in Turmoil | 1947, 1965:- Few regions in Jammu and Kashmir experience the shocks of partition and the subsequent Indo-Pakistan conflicts as intensely as the border belt of Mendhar. The events of 1947 unleashed unprecedented chaos. Tribal lashkars infiltrated the area from across the border, resulting in fear, misgivings, and displacement. The Indian Army launched counter-operations to flush out infiltrators, turning the region into a battleground where the innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire. Panic swept through villages: people fled their homes under the cover of night, leaving behind their lands, livestock, cattle and lifelong saving. The newly established LOC sliced through ancestral fields, pathways, and community linkages, altering the geographical and emotional canvas of Mendhar forever. The 1965 war reopened these old wounds once again, border residents found themselves forced to migrate temporarily to escape the exchange of fire. Many who attempted to cross to the other side of the border lost their lives in minefields or crossfire, leaving behind tragic tales of separation and loss.
There were moments that tested human character, many lands left behind by displaced families were grabbed by opportunists in different regions of the state. But Sakhi Maidan stood apart- here, the lands and properties of the migrating families were placed under the vigilant and honest supervision of Sardar Sakhiwalayat Khan and his family. When the dust settled and peace gradually returned, the displaced families began migrating back to their homes. Unlike the stories heard elsewhere , in Sakhi Maidan the returning owners found their homes safe, their lands untouched, and their rights fully intact, Sardar SakhiWalayat Khan ensured that every inch of land was returned without dispute. This rare moral conduct elevated his stature in the hearts of the people and turned him into a symbol of integrity.
“Sardar Sakhi Walayat Khan was a spiritual leader who, guided by a dream, stayed in Mendhar during the 1965 war. He fought alongside the Indian Army to repel Pakistani infiltrators and was martyred, becoming an enduring symbol of honor and courage.”
The Sarpanch Who Won Every Heart :- Recognizing his popularity , fairness, and deep commitment to public welfare , the people of Mendhar elected Sardar Sakhiwalayat Khan as the Sarpanch of the vast geographical stretch of Mendhar. He held this position for a long period – years remembered as an era of peace, order and administrative effectiveness. His panchayat was Known for resolving disputes, amicably, ensuring justice to the poor, and providing equal treatment to all communites. His leadership style was participatory and compassionate. He never allowed the powerful to dominate the weak. His doors remained open for everyone- farmers, herders, widows, migrants, traveller, and trader alie. His voice became synonymous with fairness. And his presence brought a sense of security at a time when the region was still grappling with the after –effects of political uncertainty. Sardar SakhiWalayat Khan also played a significant role in managing the grand Mela held at the historic bethak of Syed Sakhi Server Multani in Sakhi Maidan. This vibrant fair, celebrated for many decades, has become a cultural landmark of the region, drawing renowned players and enthusiastic spectators from far-off areas. With traditional games such as Kabaddi, wrist wrestling, wrestling, bughdar lifting, and other rural sports, the mela has long served as a symbol of community spirit and physical prowess. Through his dedicated involvement and organizational ability, Sardar sakhiWalayat Khan helped sustain this cherished tradition, which continues to thrive even today.
A Close Associate Of Pir Jamiat Ali Shah :- Another notable dimension of his personality was his spiritual inclination and his association with Pir Jamiat Ali Shah, the revered spititual leader of his time and a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). The political opponents of Pir Sahib often targeted his associates, which unfortunately put Sardar SakhiWalayat Khan in a vulnerable position. Yet, he remained steadfast in his loyalty- guided by values of faith, spiritual discipline, and a personal conviction that righteousness must never bow before intimidation. Sardar SakhiWalayat Khan’s family enjoyed deep spiritual ties. Maintaining a relationship of peer-mureedi with the revered Baji Alaf din of Kotli, now in POK, and also sharing a strong political and spiritual bond with the eminent Pir Jamat Ali Shah, who loved and treated Sardar Sakhi Walayat Khan like his own son. These sacred associations profoundly shaped his life and decision. During the turbulent days of 1965, when fear and uncertainty had gripped the entire region and people were fleeing to safer places, Sardar Sakhi Walayat Khan received a divine indication in a dream- Baji Sahib instructed him not to migrate to the other side with unwavering faith and loyalty of a true devotee, he accepted this spiritual command and courageously stayed back, a decision that later became a defining mark of his steadfast character and spiritual conviction. When the Pakistani infiltrators intruded into the Indian Territory in 1965, sardar SakhiWalayat Khan fought them and assisted the Indian Army. As a result,most of the infiltrators were either killed or repelled back, but in the process, the valiant Sardar SakhiWalayat Khan also attained martyrdom and was killed by the infiltrators. In the History of Pir Panjal, Sardar SakhiWalayat Khan stands tall as an ICON of Honour, and emblem of integrity, and a timeless symbol in the chronicles of Mendhar it is one of its brightest legends.
(The author is a teacher and Environmental Science researcher pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
