On 18 September 1948, Operation Polo officially concluded when the Indian Army accepted the surrender of the Nizam of Hyderabad's army, effectively ending the Nizam's rule and integrating Hyderabad into the Indian Union.
Key Points about Operation Polo:
Background: After India gained independence in 1947, most princely states acceded to either India or Pakistan. However, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the ruler of one of the largest and wealthiest princely states in India, wanted to remain independent and refused to join India. This led to escalating tensions between the Indian government and Hyderabad.
Operation Polo: In response to the growing unrest, including the actions of the Nizam's paramilitary force, the Razakars, and to prevent the risk of Hyderabad becoming a center for instability, India launched a military action on 13 September 1948. The operation was led by Major General J.N. Chaudhuri. Within five days, the Indian Army swiftly defeated the Nizam's forces.
Surrender: On 18 September 1948, the Nizam's forces officially surrendered to the Indian Army, marking the end of the operation and the annexation of Hyderabad into India.
Aftermath: The Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was retained as a ceremonial head for some time, and Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union. The successful conclusion of Operation Polo helped further solidify India's territorial integrity in the post-independence era.
Operation Polo is a significant event in Indian history, marking the resolution of the Hyderabad issue and the end of princely autonomy in the region.
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