Excelsior Correspondent
Located on the western fringe of Pir Panjal ranges and dominating the Rajouri -Poonch-Uri highway, Hajipir was of great importance both economically and strategically. Emboldened by setback faced by India in 1962 and recent modernisation of its armed forces, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar and infiltrated regulars and Lashkars into Jammu & Kashmir.
Having realised the big threat infiltrators posed, Indian Army decided to plug all infiltrating routes through an offensive strategy of occupying dominating heights along the Line of Control. The most formidable amongst these was the ‘Hajipir Pass’ and 68 Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier ZC Bakshi, Vir Chakra was tasked to capture it.
The Brigade included 1 PARA, 19 Punjab, 4 Rajput, 6 JAK RIF, 6 Dogra and 164 Field Regiment. Given the terrain and strength of enemy, a two pronged attack was planned with 1 PARA attacking along the right flank. ‘Sankh’ was captured by 1 PARA at the cost of heavy causalities and subsequently Ledwali Gali and Sar were also captured. Since the capture of ‘Hajipir Pass’ was of utmost important, Major Ranjit Singh Dyal, Second-in-Command of Battalion organised two companies and launched a daring attack on the Pass in broad daylight. Amid heavy artillery fire, hostile terrain and inclement weather the gallant paratroopers inched closer to their objective. The enemy was completely surprised by the boldness of the attack and hastily withdrew from their position leaving their dead behind.
The ‘Hajipir Pass’ was captured by 1 PARA by 11 am on 28 August 1965. Thereafter, repeated attempts by the enemy to recapture the Pass were thwarted by gallant paratroopers of the Battalion. In recognition of its resilient gallantry and indomitable spirit, 1 PARA earned one MVC, one VrC, two SM and four Mention-in-Despatches alongwith Battle Honour ‘Hajipir’ and Theatre Honour ‘Jammu & Kashmir’ in 1965. The Battalion lost 16 brave soldiers in this operation.
Follow our WhatsApp channel