The Takkar massacre (Pashto: د ټکر خونړۍ پېښه) occurred on 28 May 1930 in Takkar, British India, where non-violent Pashtun protesters were brutally killed by the British Indian Army, just a month after the Qissa Khwani massacre in Peshawar.[1] Approximately 70 people lost their lives, and 150 were wounded when local villagers attempted to prevent the British forces from arresting activists of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.
| Takkar massacre د ټکر خونړۍ پېښه | |
|---|---|
| Location | Takkar, Mardan, Colonial India (now Pakistan) |
| Date | 28 May 1930 |
| Target | Khudai Khidmatgar Activists |
Attack type | Mass murder, Massacre |
| Deaths | 70 villagers killed and 150 wounded |
| Perpetrators | British Indian Army |
Course of events
editAt that time, the Khudai Khidmatgar freedom movement was gaining significant momentum. After Peshawar and Utmanzai, Takkar became a key stronghold of the movement.[2] On 26 May 1930, the British colonial authorities, led by police officer Mr. Murphy and accompanied by a police force, arrived in Takkar with the intent to arrest key leaders of the movement, including Malik Masim Khan, Salar Shamroz Khan, Malik Khan Badshah, Pir Shahzada, and Malik Hameed of Fazalabad. These leaders refused to surrender, leading to a heated confrontation that escalated into a clash the following day. During the unrest, Mr. Murphy, on horseback, attempted to force his way into a protest procession and was killed.[3]
In retaliation, a large contingent of colonial troops launched an assault on the village, an event that etched Takkar into history. The tragedy inspired the creation of poignant folksongs, such as "Pa Takkar jang de golay warege," which remains popular today, capturing the sorrowful atmosphere of that day.[3] According to the Pashto book Da Khpal Waakaye Tarun, 70 people were killed and 150 wounded in the massacre.[1] To honour the memory of those who lost their lives, a monument has been erected.[4]
See also
edit- Massacre of local civilians by British Colonisers
References
edit- ^ a b Hoti, Mohammad Jamal (30 May 2016). "Tribute paid to Mardan's 'Takkar martyrs' of 1930". dawn.com. Dawn. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
- ^ "Takkar massacre day passes unnoticed". thenews.com.pk. The New International. 29 May 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
- ^ a b Ahmad, Osama (28 May 2022). "Massacre At Takkar: Remembering A Tragic Day For My Village". thefridaytimes.com. The Friday Times. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
- ^ "Tribute paid to Takkar martyrs' role in freedom movement". dawn.com. Dawn. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
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