Since the repeal of Article 370 by the Modi Government, there has been much discourse on the Kashmir issue. Invariably, the instrument of Accession to India is mentioned. But, interestingly, the exchange of Hari Singh’s request and Mountbatten’s response are unknown to most of us. My father was in charge as an horticulturalist of the Maharaja’s gardens in Srinagar. He recalled the doings and goings during those days. He subsequently kept the attached copy of Hari Singh/Mountbatten /exchange.
