General IJ Rikhye, founder of IVOANA passed through historical times. We are proud to have him as our founding member. Here is an anecdote sent by an officer from Gen Zia's regiment which had on its rolls, Gen (then Maj) IJ Rikhye).
General Zia ul Haq was originally commissioned in 13th Lancers. He was an Emergency Commissioned Officer (ECO). He was transferred out of 13th Lancers on an adverse report for playing Indian music in the mess and probably being observant Muslim and praying openly. That is how he landed in 6th Lancers after the war with recommendation that he should not be offered regular commission. Captain (later MG) I. Rikhey was squadron commander of Jat Squadron of 6th Lancers. When Rikhye joined the regiment, he was posted to Punjabi Muslim (PM) squadron. 6th Lancers was not an Indianized regiment and CO was not sure how Indian soldiers will react to an Indian officer. CO asked Risaldar Major Dadan Khan (a PM) about his views of posting an Indian officer to the squadron. Dadan replied that Rikhye Sahab ‘apna bacha hai’ (our son) as Rikhye was a Punjabi Hindu who grew up in Lahore. Senior most Indian VCO of PM Squadron Feroz Khan took Rikhye under his wings and made sure that he succeed.
Your brother (Brig. Jatar) was with Jat squadron and that is how he became friends with Zia. Rikhye helped Zia and gave final recommendation that he should be offered regular commission (this would not be the last time that Zia was bailed out by seniors). Zia was later transferred to Guides Cavalry and then commanded 22 Cavalry. See picture and an interesting story below of that vintage era.
Rikhye first met Zia at UN general assembly meeting. Zia was shaking hands with all standing in line to greet him but on seeing Rikhye embraced him warmly surprising all those present. Rikhye was invited by Zia when later was president of Pakistan as his personal guest. He also invited your brother but he could not come due to ill health as you mentioned.
Lt. Colonel Zia ul Haq as CO of 22 Cavalry 1966 in Multan. Standing next to him is regiment’s adjutant Lt. Zia Masood. (Picture courtesy of The Friday Times).
When Zia was commanding 22 Cavalry, his adjutant was also named Zia (Masood). Lt. Zia’s girlfriend one day rang up the office but he was not there and phone was picked up by CO Lt. Colonel Zia saying that “assalam alikum. Colonel Zia speaking”. The girl thought that Lt. Zia was trying to fool her by mimicking voice. She made fun of him and said that ‘till yesterday, you were Lt. Zia and today you are Colonel Zia. Tomorrow, you will say I’m General Zia’. (this story was narrated by an officer of 22 Cavalry).
MG I. Rikhye’s wife was kind enough to send me his books. Rikhye’s son Ravi is a good friend and I recently met him in Maryland. I have a copy of history of 6thLancers that I’m looking to gift to the regiment. If any Pakistan army officer can help me to send this book to the rightful owners that will be great.
Regards,
Hamid
