In 1948, the two tehsils of Haveli and Mendhar were merged into a new district called Rajouri District consisting of Haveli, Mendhar, Rajouri and Naushera Tehsils. This district was again divided in December 1967 to form two separate districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Pakistan had twice attempted to capture Poonch in 1965 and 1971, but had failed in both.

Naushera is a small town situated on the road from Jammu to Poonch. Due to the delay in taking a decision by Maharaja Hari Singh regarding the signing of the Instrument of Accession of J & K with the Indian Unions, Indian troops not garrisoned here for some time after Independence. The State forces were responsible for its security. Pakistan used this opportunity to launch their raiders across the border, which the state forces could not contain. The Indian Army entered J & K state as soon as the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession in October 1947.