Zojila Day Commemorated at Zojila War Memorial: Operation Bison

Zojila Day

Zojila Day was celebrated at the Zojila War Memorial near Drass on November 1st to honour the heroic deeds of Indian soldiers in Operation Bison in 1948, which was launched on the icy heights of the Zojila Pass, the gateway to Ladakh. Zojila Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Ladakh. People gather in villages and towns to celebrate the opening of the pass. There are traditional dances, songs, and feasts. The day is also an opportunity to showcase the rich culture and heritage of Ladakh.

Zojila Pass

Zojila Pass is a strategic high mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh in India. The pass is located in the Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,528 meters (11,575 feet), and is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The Zojila Pass is open for traffic for around six months of the year, from May to October. It is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The opening of the pass is a significant event for the people of Ladakh, as it allows them to travel to and from the Kashmir Valley, and to access essential goods and services.

Operation Bison and Zojila Day

Operation Bison was a military operation launched by the Indian Army on 1 November 1948 to recapture the Zoji La Pass from Pakistani raiders during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948. The Zojila Pass is a strategic high mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh in India.

Operation Bison was led by Brigadier Hiralal Atal and involved the use of tanks and artillery. The Indian forces faced stiff resistance from the Pakistani raiders, but they eventually managed to capture the pass on 1 November 1948.

The capture of the Zoji La Pass was a significant victory for the Indian Army. It allowed the Indian forces to secure their control over the Kashmir Valley and to open up a supply line to Ladakh.

Significance of Operation Bison of 1948

Operation Bison was a significant operation for several reasons.

• First, it allowed the Indian Army to recapture the Zoji La Pass, which is a strategic high mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh. This was important because it secured the Indian Army’s control over the Kashmir Valley and opened up a supply line to Ladakh.
• Second, Operation Bison was the first time that tanks had been used in combat at such a high altitude. This was a significant achievement, as it demonstrated the Indian Army’s ability to operate in difficult and challenging conditions.
• Third, Operation Bison was a morale booster for the Indian Army. The successful capture of the Zoji La Pass showed that the Indian Army was capable of defeating the Pakistani raiders.

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