Gilgit Scouts
The Gilgit Scouts constituted a paramilitary force of the Gilgit Agency in northern Jammu and Kashmir. They were raised by the government of British India in 1913, on behalf of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, to police the northern frontier of India. In November 1947, under the command of Major W. A. Brown, the Gilgit Scouts overthrew the Governor of Gilgit appointed by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, and declared accession to Pakistan. The Muslim element of the State Forces joined the rebels and executed the non-Muslim troops. Colonel Aslam Khan was given the command of the force by the Azad Kashmir provisional government. The combined force conquered Skardu (the capital of Baltistan) and threatened Ladakh, leading to the eventual formation of Gilgit-Baltistan which continues to be under Pakistani control. The force of Gilgit Scouts was continued by Pakistan till 1975 when it was integrated into the Northern Light Infantry of the Pakistan Army. History Antecedents The Gilgit Agency was originally defended by the Imperial Service Troops provided by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir and placed under the command of the Agency. A few contingents of British Indian troops and 14 British officers were added in