Ladakh to build memorial for Kargil hero Sonam Wangchuk
The Union Territory administration in Ladakh, headed by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, has decided to dedicate a befitting memorial in the memory of a decorated Kargil War hero, Colonel (Retd) Sonam Wangchuk, also known as the ‘Lion of Ladakh’.
Recipient of India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, Colonel (Retd) Wangchuk died of cardiac arrest at 61 at his residence in Leh on Friday. Colonel (Retd) Wangchuk is survived by his wife and son. According to the close family members, Colonel (Retd) Wangchuk was complaining of chest pain and had undergone some investigations at the Army Hospital in Leh. He was scheduled to undergo a few other investigations, but before that, he suffered a cardiac arrest and apparently died during sleep.
The office of LG, Ladakh, on Saturday posted on X, “In honour of the Lion of Ladakh, Late Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, MVC, UT administration will dedicate a befitting memorial at Leh, in consultation with the family, Army and local representatives”.
“The memorial will stand as an enduring symbol of Ladakhi valour and pride. His bravery shall continue to inspire generations to come”.
During the 1999 Kargil War, Major Sonam Wangchuk was tasked with securing Chorbat La and establishing an observation post under extreme weather conditions.
On May 30, 1999, Major Wangchuk led his small team from the front through deep snow and hostile terrain. His swift and determined action caught the enemy by surprise, resulting in the neutralisation of their troops and forcing them to retreat.
His gallant action set the stage for several other successful operations during Operation Vijay. Major Wangchuk also earned the Maha Vir Chakra, and the two posts in the sector, ‘Sonam 1’ and ‘Sonam 2’, were named after him by the Indian Army in recognition of his valour.
According to the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd) displayed indomitable courage, gallantry and exceptional leadership while leading his team amidst intense enemy firing to clear the Chorbatla Axis up to LoC during Operation Vijay.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed grief at the passing of Maha Vir Chakra awardee Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd), a braveheart of the 1999 Kargil war.
In a post on X, Singh paid tribute to Colonel Wangchuk, describing him as a highly decorated officer of the Indian Army, renowned for his gallantry, resolute leadership and unwavering commitment to duty, according to a release from the Ministry of Defence.
Chief Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, also expressed deep condolences over the demise of Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Maha Vir Chakra awardee & hero of the Kargil War. He said Colonel Wangchuk’s bravery and service to the nation will remain an inspiration for generations.
