Colonel Sonam Wangchuk: Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd), one of India’s well-known war heroes from the Kargil War, died early on Friday after a heart attack. He was 61 years old. He passed away at his home in Leh. Many people in Ladakh and across the country remembered him with love and respect. Because of his courage, people often called him the “Lion of Ladakh.”
He was honored with the Maha Vir Chakra, which is India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award. He became famous for his fearless role in the Kargil War in 1999. At that time, he was a Major in the Indian Army. During the war, he led Ladakh Scouts soldiers through the icy and dangerous heights of Chorbat La on May 30, 1999. They had no artillery support, but the mission still succeeded. That action became one of India’s first big wins in the Kargil conflict and gave strength to later operations.
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Family shares what happened in his last days
Dr Sonam Angchuk, who was the colonel’s brother-in-law, spoke to The Indian Express and shared what happened before his death. He said Wangchuk had not been feeling well for a few days and had pain in his chest.
He said, “His father expired this January. So, he had come here [Leh, Ladakh] around March 25th for the prayers and other rituals we do. I now feel that since many relatives and friends were visiting him to express their condolences, he might be under stress.”
Dr Angchuk also explained that Wangchuk had gone to the Army hospital on Thursday afternoon. 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.”
Dr Angchuk also shared details about Wangchuk’s family. His wife, Padma Angmo, is a UT cadre civil servant and is now posted in Delhi. Their son, Riggyal Otvum, studied at IIM and works in Bengaluru. Wangchuk’s mother lives in Leh.
About the final rites, Dr Angchuk said that Buddhist customs will be followed. Monks will come first and perform the needed rituals. Only after that will the family decide the date for the last rites.
From student to Army officer
Sonam Wangchuk was born on January 27, 1964. His father was Sonam Wangyal. He studied at Modern School in New Delhi. When he was young, he liked sports and even took part in cross-country marathons. Later, he decided he wanted to join the armed forces.
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He was studying at Sri Venkateswara College, but he left his graduation in the middle to join the Army. He was commissioned into the Assam Regiment on September 4, 1987. After that, he was deputed to the Ladakh Scouts, a force known as the “Snow Warriors.”
The Ladakh Scouts had a very important role in the Kargil War. Their work during the conflict was praised at the highest level. Then Army chief V P Malik gave the unit a Unit Citation for its strong and brave performance in the war.
Kargil War
The Kargil War began in 1999 after the Lahore Declaration, when Pakistani forces took control of important heights along the Line of Control. The situation became serious after intrusions were found on May 3. India then started military action. The Indian Air Force carried out air strikes and the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay. After weeks of heavy fighting, the war ended on July 26, 1999.
One of the most sensitive areas in that war was Chorbat La in the Batalik sub-sector. This place is around 18,000 feet high. It was very important because it was close to National Highway 1A. It had also been used in the past as a route for infiltration.
Wangchuk was given the job of securing Chorbat La and setting up an observation post in that harsh area. The weather was terrible and the ground was covered in deep snow. Still, he led a small team forward through that hard terrain. On May 30, 1999, he came face to face with enemy troops. In that fight, he killed two enemy soldiers and forced the others to run back.
Later, he moved to support another observation post even though heavy artillery fire was going on and an attack was close. The battle lasted for hours. In the middle of that danger, Wangchuk led an attack on an enemy position. His team captured that post and six enemy soldiers were killed.
His bravery in that sector became so respected that two posts were named after him. They were called “Sonam 1” and “Sonam 2.” That was a rare honor and showed how much his courage meant to the Army.
