Zoji La Day: Honoring Courage and Sacrifice

(Kashmir Re’Chords Correspondent)

The victory at Zoji La remains a shining example of the Indian Army’s unbreakable will, as they broke through the strongest of barriers to protect the land and honor of their country.

The Battle of Zoji La, fought on the frigid Himalayan heights, stands as one of the most awe-inspiring chapters of valour and strategic ingenuity in Indian military history. Celebrated on November 1, Zoji La Day honours this iconic 1948 victory, where the Indian Army overcame incredible odds to reclaim a crucial pass in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48.

In 1948, as Pakistan-backed raiders captured Zoji La Pass—a vital entry to Ladakh—the stakes for India became clear. The loss of Zoji La threatened Indian control over the region, opening pathways toward Kargil and Leh. Reclaiming this pass was crucial to ensuring Ladakh safety, and thus began one of the most daring and innovative operations of the war.

Operation Bison: A Bold Strategy at Extreme Altitudes

Maj Gen S K  Sinha in his Book “Operation Rescue’’  while talking about 1947-1949 military operations in Jammu and Kashmir, says that The initial attempt to recapture Zoji La, codenamed Operation Duck, faced setbacks due to extreme weather and tough enemy defences. Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, Lt. Gen. K.M. Cariappa, Western Army Commander, redesigned the mission as Operation Bison. In a world-first feat, he incorporated tanks into mountain warfare, setting a precedent for armoured assaults at extreme altitudes.

Transporting M5 Stuart tanks from the seventh Cavalry regiment over rough, snow-clad terrain posed logistical challenges, but engineers from the Madras Sappers adapted the route. Mule tracks were widened, bridges reinforced, and the tanks painstakingly assembled near the frontline, demonstrating exceptional engineering skill and perseverance.

Victory Against All Odds

On November 1, 1948, under the cover of dense fog and freezing temperatures, Indian forces launched a surprise attack with tanks—a tactic that caught the Pakistani forces off guard. Supported by heavy artillery, Indian troops advanced over icy slopes, forcing the raiders back from Zoji La towards Dras. This hard-won victory reopened the route to Kargil, enabling Indian forces to eventually join troops advancing from Leh and secure the region.

The bravery displayed at Zoji La earned many troops high honors, including eight Maha Vir Chakras and eighteen Vir Chakras, recognizing their extraordinary courage and service. The battle not only marked a strategic triumph but also displayed the Indian Army’s spirit, resilience, and innovative tactics, redefined warfare in extreme conditions. Kashmir Re’Chords, from its archives, is bringing a news item of November 1, 1990 when Zoji La Day was celebrated under Col M.S Kalra. This news item highlights the role of 15 Punjab Battalion and Col Kalra was commanding the battalion in 1990.

Celebrated annually on November 1, Zoji La Day pays tribute to the indomitable spirit and “Never Say Die” attitude of Indian soldiers. The Zoji La War Memorial near Drass stands as a testament to their valour, preserving the memory of a victory against overwhelming odds and inspiring future generations.