A few year back, I happened to meet and old class fellow, at the residence of Prince Miangul Shehryar Amir Zeb. His name was Abdul Ghafoor. He used to live in an old little house just below the Royal House of Badshah Sahib in Aqba, with his old father and a deaf and dumb elder brother, who was always seen weaving woolen sweaters. Abdul Ghafoor was very intelligent smart and good looking. He was always a class monitor, P.T Commander and later Commander of Jahanzeb College, Military Group called Jahanzeb Battalion. This group won three times national competitions under his captaincy and he received many awards. The credit also goes to the Instructor of the Battalion. He was a retired British Indian soldier and very smart and active.
Wali Swat appointed him for training of College and school Military Platoons but the State armed Malatia. Rank holders were called by turn to Saidu Sharif, where he trained them. His name was Khangul. Wali Sahib inducted him in the State Militia directly as Subedar. He was also provided with official accommodation behind the Saidu Hostel. These quarters were built on a raised platform with ample accommodation and facilities. No one knew from where he came. But he was a Swati. He always held a baton in his hand like a General and walked always in the style of a marching soldier. It seemed as if he is hearing a martial music of a band. When he used to go to Mingora and if some senior came in his way, he put the can or baton under the left arm and saluted with the right hand. His way of giving parade commands was spectacular, very loud, precise and clear. As he often gave some rest to the platoon, he would shout, “Platoon: Stand easy – stand to”. That ‘stand to’ became ‘Stantoo’ and his name also. People forgot that he was Khangul Subedar. Wali Sahib also appreciated his performance and awarded him cash on many occasions as a token of the Ruler’s pleasure on his performance. Now I do not know what became of him after merger, but seeing his picture on the webpage ‘Encyclopedia of Swat’, I wanted to pay my tribute to him.
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