Leh: Decorated Kargil War hero Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd), also known as the ‘Lion of Ladakh’, passed away at his residence in Leh on Friday, following a heart attack. He was 61.
A recipient of the prestigious Maha Vir Chakra, Col Wangchuk was widely respected for his leadership and valour during one of India’s most challenging military conflicts.
On May 30, 1999, as a Major, he led Ladakh Scouts troops across the treacherous, glaciated heights of Chorbat La, without artillery support. His successful mission marked one of the earliest victories for Indian forces during the Kargil conflict, setting the tone for subsequent operations.
The colonel had been complaining of chest pain and discomfort for the last few days, Dr Sonam Angchuk, his brother-in-law, told The Indian Express.
“His father expired this January. So, he had come here to Leh around March 25th for the prayers and other rituals that we perform. I now feel that since many relatives and friends were visiting him to express their condolences, he might have been under stress,” he said.
“For the last few days, he had been complaining of chest pain. Yesterday, about 2.30 pm, I took him to the Army hospital, where he underwent ECG, ultrasound and other tests. The test results were normal. He was feeling fine. We came back home and were supposed to go for an Echocardiogram today. Last evening, I gave him a few muscle relaxants and then we went to sleep. Early morning, today, the person who gives him his morning cup of hot water/tea went to his room and found that he was not responsive. He raised an alarm. We all rushed to Sonam’s room and found that he was no more,” he added.
Dr Angchuk said that Wangchuk’s wife, Padma Angmo, is a UT cadre civil servant and currently posted in Delhi. The couple’s son, Riggyal Otvum, is an IIM graduate and works in Bengaluru. Wangchuk’s mother stays in Leh.
He explained that in Buddhism, monks arrive to conduct rituals. It is only then that a date is fixed for the final rites.
Born on January 27, 1964, Col Wangchuk completed his schooling at Modern School, New Delhi. An active sports enthusiast in his youth, he participated in cross-country marathons before deciding to pursue a career in the armed forces. He left his graduation midway at Sri Venkateswara College to join the Army and was commissioned into the Assam Regiment on September 4, 1987. He was later deputed to the Ladakh Scouts, known as the ‘Snow Warriors’.
The Ladakh Scouts played a pivotal role in the Kargil War and were honoured with a Unit Citation by then Army chief Gen V P Malik for their exemplary performance.
One of the most critical sectors during the war was Chorbat La in the Batalik sub-sector, situated at an altitude of 18,000 feet. The area held immense strategic importance due to its proximity to National Highway 1A and its historical use as an infiltration route.
Wangchuk was tasked with securing Chorbat La and establishing an observation post under extreme weather conditions. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he led a small team through deep snow and hostile terrain. On May 30, 1999, he engaged enemy troops, killing two soldiers and forcing others to retreat.
He later reinforced another observation post under heavy artillery fire and imminent attack. After hours of intense combat, Wangchuk led an assault on an enemy-held position, successfully capturing it and killing six enemy soldiers.
Two posts in the sector-‘Sonam 1’ and ‘Sonam 2’-were named after him, in recognition of his bravery. His actions during the conflict earned him the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award.
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