Battle of Haji Pir| हाजी पीर की लड़ाई|

Introduction:- The Battle of Haji Pir was one of the most fiercely fought battles during India - Pakistan War of 1965. Indian Army successfully executed large scale outflanking movement of forces to impede infiltration by the enemy along Uri - Haji Pir Pass. During night long daring operation, heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy. Indian troops were awarded one Maha Vir Chakra, one Vir Chakra and four Sena Medals in this battle.

The Battle of Haji Pir was a significant military engagement that occurred during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. It took place from August 26 to 28, 1965, in the Haji Pir Pass region of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The battle resulted in a crucial victory for India, which captured the entire Haji Pir bulge, including the strategically important 8,652-foot-high Haji Pir Pass.

Background: Prior to the battle, the Haji Pir Pass served as a key infiltration route for Pakistani forces into Indian-held Kashmir. This posed a significant security threat to India and disrupted traffic on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Gibraltar on August 15, 1965, with the aim of capturing the Haji Pir bulge and neutralizing the Pakistani infiltration threat.

The Battle: The Indian offensive began with the 1 Para battalion crossing the Ceasefire Line (CFL) towards Sank, a well-fortified Pakistani position. Despite facing challenging terrain and heavy rain, the Indian troops advanced under artillery cover and captured Sank by the early morning of August 27.

Following the capture of Sank, the Indian Army continued its offensive towards the Haji Pir Pass. The 19 PUNJAB Regiment captured another critical position, Bisali, on the evening of August 28. However, Pakistani forces launched a counteroffensive and succeeded in retaking Bisali on September 5. The Indian troops regrouped and eventually linked up with the 93 Infantry Brigade on September 10, securing the entire Haji Pir bulge.

Outcome: The Battle of Haji Pir was a major victory for India. It not only thwarted Pakistani infiltration attempts but also significantly strengthened India's strategic position in the Kashmir region. The capture of the Haji Pir Pass also boosted the morale of the Indian troops and served as a turning point in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Legacy: The Battle of Haji Pir is commemorated with great pride in India. The Indian Army has established a war memorial at the Haji Pir Pass to honor the sacrifices made by soldiers during the battle. The battle is also depicted in various murals and artworks across India.

Additional Information: The Battle of Haji Pir was a fiercely fought battle with significant casualties on both sides.

The Indian Army awarded several gallantry awards, including one Maha Vir Chakra and one Vir Chakra, to soldiers who participated in the battle.

 The capture of the Haji Pir Pass was a major psychological blow to Pakistan.

The battle is considered a significant chapter in the history of the Indo-Pakistani conflict.