Jatlan
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Jatlan
جاتلاں | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 Jatlan Head | |
  Jatlan Location within Azad Jammu Kashmir  Jatlan Location within Pakistan | |
| Coordinates: 33°2′1″N 73°50′31″E / 33.03361°N 73.84194°E | |
| Sovereign state |  Pakistan |
| Province |  Azad Kashmir |
| Area | |
• Total | 2,321 km2 (896 sq mi) |
| Population (1998)[1] | |
• Total | 2,214 |
| Time zone | Pakistan Standard Time |
| Postal Code | 10250 |
Jatlan (Urdu: جاتلاں) is a bazaar that was once a village located on the northern bank of the Upper Jhelum Canal in the administrative region of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. As of the most recent data available, Jatlan has a population of approximately 2,214 residents.[2]
Jatlan, was at the epicentre of the 2019 Kashmir earthquake, a seismic event of magnitude 6 Mww. This earthquake resulted in substantial damage to the village's infrastructure and caused widespread disruption to the lives of its residents.
Jatlan has several notable sites, including the Jatlan Head, a construction dating back to the British colonial period. The structure stands as a tangible testament to the architectural and engineering styles prevalent during the British colonial rule in the region.
During the First Kashmir War the Indian army repulsed the Pashtun raiders near Srinagar on November 25, so the raiders redirected their efforts towards Mirpur, which is situated in present-day Azad Kashmir. Notably, political scientist Christopher Snedden has mentioned claims of a tragic event in Mirpur around November 25, during which it is alleged that approximately 20,000 non-Muslims lost their lives and an additional 2,500 individuals were reported as abducted.[3][4] Moreover, in the wider district of Mirpur and adjacent regions of Poonch, there were reports of instances where Hindu and Sikh women faced rape and abduction.[5] This harrowing episode has led to the commemoration of November 25 as "Mirpur Day" in Indian-administered Kashmir.[6] Areas surrounding Jatlan were used for non-Muslims to flee from persecution from various villages. Over 300 individuals who identified as non-Muslims sought refuge in the residence of a prominent Sikh figure located in Naka Guru, situated approximately four miles to the north of Jatlan.[7]
After Pakistan's independence, during the Sialkot War, the Mirpur-Jatlan road was a main route of travel by the Pakistani Army's M35 supply trucks advancing equipment. A number of residents from Jatlan enlisted and have been assigned in the military conflict with India.
Geography
Jatlan is situated 5 miles from Khari Sharif. Jatlan links Mirpur City with Bhimber and Gujrat districts. Over the years Jatlan has become a major business and commercial hub for the region due to its geographical location.
Its climate is quite hot during the summer, where the maximum average temperature per annum is 40 degrees centrigrade, and other geographical conditions closely resemble those of Jhelum and Gujrat, adjoining districts of Pakistan. The topography of Jatlan, consists of plains and the foothills of the Himalayas. The main crop cultivated during summer is Millet and Pulses. However, other cash crops such as Wheat, Maize, Fruits like watermelon, and vegetables are also grown along the Jatlan canal. The product of quality rice from the paddy fields of Khari Sharif between Upper Jhelum Canal and River Jhelum is famous for its aroma and taste.