October 26th has been a significant date in indian history, marked by a few important events, milestones, and developments. Here are some key events that occurred on October 26th in India:

1. Accession of Jammu & kashmir to india (1947)

  • Date: October 26, 1947
  • Significance: This is one of the most pivotal moments in the history of post-independence India. On October 26, 1947, the Maharaja hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession to india, officially bringing the princely state into the indian Union.
  • Context: This occurred in the wake of Pakistan's invasion of Jammu & kashmir after india gained independence from britain in august 1947. Faced with the invasion, Maharaja hari Singh chose to accede to india in exchange for military assistance. This decision triggered the first India-Pakistan war (1947-1948), which ended with the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC) dividing Jammu & kashmir between india and Pakistan. The region has since remained a source of conflict and tension between the two countries.
  • Legacy: The accession of kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>jammu and kashmir is a cornerstone of India’s territorial integrity and a moment that continues to shape India's political and diplomatic landscape.

2. Formation of Union Territories (2019)

  • Date: October 26, 2019
  • Significance: On October 26, 2019, the indian government formally bifurcated the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This decision followed the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which granted special status to kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>jammu and kashmir under the indian Constitution.
  • Background: The scrapping of article 370 was a highly controversial and historic move by the government of prime minister Narendra Modi, which led to significant changes in the governance structure of the region. The creation of two separate Union Territories was a part of this broader constitutional shift.
  • Aftermath: The decision resulted in increased central government control over Jammu & kashmir and Ladakh, while also leading to a security lockdown, political upheaval, and debates over the region's future.

3. Birth of Legendary Cricketer Vinoo Mankad (1928)

  • Date: October 26, 1928
  • Significance: Vinoo Mankad, one of India's early cricketing legends, was born on October 26, 1928, in Panchgani, Maharashtra. He was a prominent left-arm orthodox bowler and a handy batsman, who played an important role in indian cricket in the 1940s and 1950s.
  • Legacy: Mankad is best remembered for his ability to take key wickets, particularly in international cricket. His name is forever linked to a particular mode of dismissal called "Mankading," where the bowler dismisses the non-striker by running them out before delivering the ball. While controversial, this method is part of cricketing history. Mankad’s contributions to indian cricket are still highly respected.

4. indian Army's Operation Meghdoot (1984)

  • Date: October 26, 1984
  • Significance: On October 26, 1984, the Indian Army launched Operation Meghdoot, a military operation to capture the Siachen Glacier in the disputed region of Kashmir.
  • Context: The siachen glacier, located in the Karakoram Range, had been an area of territorial dispute between india and Pakistan. india strategically occupied the glacier after receiving intelligence that pakistan was planning to capture the region.
  • Outcome: The operation was successful, and india established control over the glacier. This led to one of the highest and most challenging military standoffs in the world, with both india and pakistan maintaining troops at extremely high altitudes, where conditions are harsh and logistics are difficult. The siachen conflict is considered one of the longest unresolved military standoffs in history.

5. indian Peacekeeping Force in sri lanka (1987)

  • Date: October 26, 1987
  • Significance: On October 26, 1987, the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF), which had been deployed in sri lanka under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord (signed on July 29, 1987), began its mission in the Tamil-majority regions of northern Sri Lanka.
  • Context: The accord was signed between the indian government and the Sri Lankan government in an attempt to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War and bring peace between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). india agreed to send peacekeeping troops to oversee the implementation of the accord and to help manage the ethnic conflict.
  • Challenges: The IPKF faced significant opposition from the LTTE, which led to several years of intense fighting. The mission was controversial in india, and the indian Army withdrew in 1990 after a series of challenges, and political repercussions.

6. bihar assembly election (2015)

  • Date: October 26, 2015
  • Significance: The Bihar Legislative assembly elections were held in 2015 in phases, and October 26, 2015, marked the first phase of voting. The election was significant as it was seen as a major political battle between Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of bihar (leading the Grand Alliance), and BJP, which had been gaining ground in India.
  • Outcome: The election results were closely watched as they had national political implications. The Grand Alliance (comprising Nitish Kumar’s JDU, Lalu prasad Yadav’s RJD, and the Congress) won a majority, marking a significant defeat for the bjp in the state.

Conclusion:

October 26th has seen major political, military, and cultural events in indian history. From the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to india in 1947 to the formation of Union Territories in 2019, this date holds deep significance for the country’s territorial and political landscape. Additionally, the birth of cricketing legend Vinoo Mankad and military operations like Operation Meghdoot further highlight the historical importance of this day in India.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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Kokila Chokkanathan

26/10/2025 07:26 AM