Kargil War Hero Col Sonam Wangchuk passes away, Rajnath Singh pays tributes

India on Friday paid tributes to Kargil War hero Colonel Sonam Wangchuk after he passed away today, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leading the nation in remembering his bravery, service and sacrifice.

 

 

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Colonel Sonam Wangchuk. He was a highly decorated officer of the Indian Army, renowned for his gallantry, resolute leadership and unwavering commitment to duty. A proud son of #Ladakh, he exemplified the spirit of the region—resilient, steadfast and deeply rooted in service to the Nation, while standing as a symbol of India’s unity in diversity.

 

 

His courageous actions of leading by personal example during #OperationVijay inspired his men under the most demanding conditions in high-altitude. His life remains a testament to courage, sacrifice and national integration and his legacy will continue to inspire coming generations,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared on X.

 

 

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, born on 11 May 1964 in Ladakh, was an Indian Army veteran who was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, for his role during the Kargil War.

 

 

He attended the Officers Training Academy Chennai and was commissioned into the 4th Battalion, The Assam Regiment. He was later deputed to the Indus Wing of the Ladakh Scouts regiment. In 1999, at the outbreak of the Kargil War, then Major Wangchuk led an operation against Pakistani troops on Chorbat La Top, for which he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.

 

 

 

The capture of Chorbat La was one of the many inspiring stories of the Kargil War with Pakistan when Indian forces recaptured key positions from Pakistani insurgents. The victory of Chorbat La laid the foundation of many other battles fought during the Kargil War.

 

 

 

 

 

On 30 May 1999, Major Sonam Wangchuk was leading a column of The Indus Wing, Ladakh Scouts as a part of ongoing operations in Op VIJAY in the Batalik Sector. The column was tasked to occupy Ridge Line on the Line of Control in a glaciated area at a height of about 5,500 metres. This was essential so as to pre-empt its occupation by the enemy and any subsequent infiltration.

 




While moving towards the Line of Control, the enemy ambushed the column by firing from a vantage position. In the process, one NCO of The Ladakh Scouts was killed. Major Sonam Wangchuk held his column together and in a daring counter ambush, led a raid on the enemy position from a flank, killing two enemy soldiers. The officer also recovered one heavy machine gun and one Universal machine gun, ammunition, controlled stores and three dead bodies of the enemy personnel.

 



Thereafter, the officer took stock of all forces along the Chorbatla axis in the Batalik Sector and cleared the axis up to the Line of Control of all enemy intrusions at great risk to his life. 


 

Major Sonam Wangchuk displayed exceptional bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the presence of enemy fire and in extreme climatic conditions in the glaciated area. He was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his valour and bravery.