The Prelude to the Battle of Haji Pir Pass

In August 1965, Pakistan initiated Operation Gibraltar with the intent of inciting local insurrection and paving the way for a ground invasion by the Pakistani armed forces. However, this operation failed as the local population did not revolt, but instead, aided the Indian army in rooting out the infiltrators.

Following Pakistan’s consistent attempts to destabilize Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri proclaimed that it was time to retaliate, leading to the commencement of the 1965 Indo-Pak war on 5 August.

On August 15, 1965, the Indian Army crossed the Ceasefire Line, recapturing three hill positions initially occupied by Pakistan. To strengthen its gains and prevent further infiltrations, it was decided to seize the Haji Pir Bulge in the Pir Panjal range, a critical hub of infiltrations into India.

Battle of Haji Pir Pass: A Detailed Account

The battle commenced on August 26, when the 1 Para battalion crossed the Ceasefire Line towards Sank, under the leadership of Brigade commander Brigadier Bakshi. Despite facing well-prepared defenses, barbed wires, and minefields, the Indian troops managed to capture Sank by the following morning.

The Pakistani defenders, caught off guard, fled the scene, leaving behind their heavy weapons. Major Ranjit Singh Dyal then decided to proceed towards the Haji Pir Pass, where they encountered a counterattack by Pakistani forces. Despite the resistance, the Indian troops managed to out-flank the Pakistani defenders, causing them to abandon their weapons and retreat.

Simultaneously, the 19 Punjab captured Pathra on August 26, but the 4 Rajput was unable to capture Bedori due to the challenging terrain and heavy casualties. However, by August 29, the 19 Punjab had successfully captured Bedori, facing intense resistance from the defending forces.

The Aftermath of the Battle

India's capture of the entire Haji Pir bulge and Haji Pir pass marked a strategic victory, as it neutralized the logistical setup and blocked the infiltration routes, significantly reducing the road distance between Poonch and Uri.

This victory was a testament to the bravery and resilience of the Indian units involved, who managed to overcome challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions to achieve their objectives.

Despite the success, the subsequent Tashkent agreement resulted in India handing back the hard-won Haji Pir bulge to Pakistan, a decision that has been criticized by Indian strategic planners due to the continued infiltration by terrorists from this area.

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