The legendary hero from Coorg, Karnataka with his bold plan won the ZOJILA Battle on 1st NOV 1948. This Victory was needed to retain Ladakh with India. LADAKH – The dream of millions of tourists in India, the Land of Eternal Bliss. If not for Gen Thimayya, Ladakh as we know today would have been on the other side of the LOC (Line of Control). Going back in history, post the Instrument of Ascension on October 26, 1947-the valley of Kashmir was safeguarded by the Indian army and the enemy ‘s next target was Ladakh. Within 3 months the Pakistan raiders and tribals occupied Zojila pass.
ZOJILA-THE GATEWAY TO LADAKH was the only route to reach Leh. (The Manali Leh Highway was completed in 1989 – almost 40 yrs later) Being a pass in the Great Himalayan range at 11649 feet- Zojila was referred to as Pass of Blizzards or the White hell. Indian army tried to reach the pass but efforts were in vain for almost 10 months. General Thimayya known for his sheer Brilliance and Bold Tactics, knew how important it was for India to retain Zojila before the winter of 1948. It was his idea to use Tanks to displace the enemy- never before were tanks employed at this altitude in the world at that time. Tanks were mobilised from Srinagar on the mud road and finally on Nov 1-1948, with Gen Thimayya in the leading Tank reached the top of the Zojila. It is said that the enemies ran for their lives seeing the tanks that came as lightening bolt for them. India won the Zojila battle on Nov 1, 1948 and Ladakh was saved. Remembering the Legend Gen Thimayya 76 yrs after his achievement .. The Land of High Passes is with India – Thanks to the Bravest of the Brave hero from Coorg, Karnataka.
