New Delhi, April 10 Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (retired), a veteran of the Army who received the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery during the 1999 Kargil War, passed away on Friday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed him as a "proud son of Ladakh" whose heroic actions during Operation Vijay inspired Army personnel in the demanding high-altitude conditions.
The Indian Army extended its deepest condolences to the veteran's family, stating that the force stands in solidarity with the bereaved family during this time of grief.
In a post on X on Friday, Singh paid tribute to Colonel Wangchuk, describing him as a highly decorated officer of the Army, renowned for his bravery, 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 also being a symbol of India's unity in diversity. His courageous actions of leading by example during Operation Vijay inspired his men under the most demanding conditions in high-altitude," he said.
Singh expressed deep sadness at the passing of the Maha Vir Chakra awardee.
The defence minister said that the Kargil War hero's life remains a testament to courage, sacrifice, and national integration, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The Army, in a post on X, described him as a brave soldier, a committed leader, and a son of Ladakh whose life "embodied courage, service, and unity," and asserted that his legacy will continue to inspire generations.
The Army also shared excerpts from the citation for his gallantry award in its post.
The Maha Vir Chakra is the second-highest military decoration in India, awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
"On May 30, 1999, Major Sonam Wangchuk was leading a column of the Indus Wing, Ladakh Scouts, as part of ongoing operations during Operation Vijay in the Batalik Sector. The column was tasked with occupying the Ridge Line on the Line of Control in a glaciated area at a height of approximately 5,500 meters. This was essential to prevent its occupation by the enemy and any subsequent infiltration," it states.
While moving towards the Line of Control, the enemy ambushed the column by firing from a vantage position. In the process, one NCO of Ladakh Scouts sustained fatal injuries. Major Wangchuk held his column together and, in a "daring counter ambush," led a raid on the enemy position from the flank, killing two enemy personnel. The officer also recovered one heavy machine gun and one universal machine gun, along with ammunition and controlled stores, it added.
For this act of exceptional bravery, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
Tributes have poured in from early morning as the news of his demise became public.
The Fire and Fury Corps, based in Leh, in a post on X, said, "The General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps, and all ranks express profound grief on the untimely demise of Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Maha Vir Chakra (retired), and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family."
A distinguished veteran of the Kargil War, he is remembered for his exemplary courage and inspiring leadership in the Batalik Sector. His indomitable spirit and military acumen contributed significantly to the nation's success in the most challenging high-altitude operations. His legacy of leadership, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to duty will continue to inspire generations, it added.
The Army shared the post and further wrote: 'General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and all ranks of the Indian Army pay heartfelt homage to Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Maha Vir Chakra -- a brave soldier, a committed leader, and a son of Ladakh whose life embodied courage, service, and unity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations," offering deepest condolences with the bereaved family.