Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Kargil hero and Mahavir Chakra Awardee, died of a heart attack at his home on Friday, at the age of 61. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the death of Colonel Wangchuk, who had retired and was living in Ladakh.
During the Kargil War in 1999, he was assigned the crucial task of securing Shurbat La in Batalik sub-sector, along the Line of Control with Pakistan in Ladakh. He led the Ladakh Scouts. Leading from the front, he established key observation posts under harsh conditions, engaged enemy forces, and succeeded in eliminating many infiltrators.
According to his bravery award citation, Wangchuk climbed through 1-2 meters of fresh snow in the Shorbat La sector, where he encountered 3-4 enemy soldiers and killed two of them. He later reinforced another position under heavy attack and led an attack in which he captured enemy-held territory, killing six soldiers.
His leadership was effective in clearing the enemy along the Khorbat La axis in the Batalik sector and securing the Line of Control. Upon seeing this, two posts, ‘Sonam 1’ and ‘Sonam 2’, were named in his honour.
The Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps also posted on X, expressing deep sorrow over Wangchuk’s death. “He is a distinguished veteran of the Kargil War and is remembered for his exemplary courage and inspiring leadership in the batalik sector,” the post said.
“His indomitable spirit and military acumen have contributed greatly to the nation’s success in the most challenging high-altitude operations.”
Federal Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also addressed X and said that he was “deeply saddened by the death of Colonel Sonam Wangchuk.”
“He was a high-ranking officer of the Indian Army, renowned for his bravery, resolute leadership and unwavering commitment to duty. He was a proud son of Ladakh, embodying the resilient and resilient spirit of the region,” the union minister said at the post.
