Zojila Day commemorated at Zojila War Memorial, Drass

Tags: National Defence National News

Zojila Day was observed on 1 November 2022 at the Zojila War Memorial near Dras to celebrate the gallant action taken by the Indian soldiers in 'Operation Bison'. 'Operation Bison' was launched on the icy heights of Zojila Pass, the gateway to Ladakh in 1948.

Important facts

• The Commander of Drass Warriors of Leh's Fire and Fury Corps paid floral tributes to the soldiers who were martyred in liberating the Zojila Pass from Pakistani infiltrators.

• Zojila Day is an indomitable symbol of the bravery of the Indian Army.

• This battle is considered historic as tanks were used for the first time at such a height.

• Zojila Day is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of bravery and 'Never Say Die' of the Indian Army.

About Zojila Pass

• It is a high mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir, located on National Highway 1. 

• It connects Srinagar in Kashmir Valley to Leh in Ladakh region.

• It has an elevation of about 3,528 metres (11,575 ft), and is the second highest pass on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway after Photu La.

• This is known as the 'Icy Storm Pass'.

• The Zojila Tunnel project was started in the year 2018. It is the longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel in Asia.

About The battle of Zojila

• During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Zojila was seized by Pakistani-backed invaders in 1948 in their campaign to capture Ladakh.

• On November 1, 1948, the Zojila Pass was recaptured by the Indian Army in an attack called Operation Bison.

• The Battle of Zojila was one of the first battles of the Indian Army in the high altitude region.