would later claim to have had him convinced about Kashmir's reasons for not acceding on an immediate basis; India was also apparently requested to help with the state's 'security arrangements'. In contrast, Menon would hold Kak's replies to be evasive and note that "he could neither understand the man [Kak] nor fathom his game". General Henry Scott, the Chief of Staff of State Forces, in his last report opined that Kak favored independence but closer ties with Pakistan. On 1 August 1947, Gandhi visited Kashmir and pointed out to Kak how unpopular he was among the people. In response, Kak offered to resign. However, the Maharaja —who was increasingly against joining Pakistan due to a variety of reasons and trying to repair relationships with INC— is believed to have already decided, a few weeks earlier, to dismiss Kak for being an impediment in the process, and declare general amnesty to political prisoners. Dismissal Kak was dismissed as Prime Minister on 11 August 1947 in open-court and put under house arrest; he was replaced with Janak Singh. All senior officials such as the Chief Secretary, the Chief of the Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police were also replaced by less experienced people from the Maharaja's own community, in what Kak would describe as the "decapitation" of State administration. According to Scott, the Maharaja acted under influence of the Deputy Prime Minister M L. Batra, a Hindu swami, and the Maharani's brother Nachint Chand, all of whom wanted Kashmir to join India at the earliest. Kak would return to the Maharaja's service a few weeks later, though not as the prime minister. On September 14, Singh informed Kak about forming a committee to enquire into his actions as the erstwhile Prime-Minister of the state; Kak declined to participate. On 16 September, Kak attempted to leave the state along with his family, having arranged a flight with help from Scott. But his departure was blocked by the Maharaja, and he was put under house arrest. However, with Scott's support, his family was allowed to leave on 22 September. Trial After the tribal invasion in October, the Maharaja had moved to Jammu and finally released Sheikh Adbdullah, who was appointed as the Head of Emergency Administration in Srinagar. Kak's detention was continued and he was moved to the Badami Bagh. Kak's wife, Margaret Kak, lobbied with the Mountbattens arguing for Kak's release and