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The ‘Lion of Ladakh’ Falls: Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, the Kargil Hero Awarded with Maha Vir Chakra, Passes Away
- Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a Kargil War hero awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, died of a heart attack at age 61 at his residence in Ladakh on April 10, 2026.
- In 1999, then-Major Wangchuk led a successful counter-ambush at Chorbat La in the Batalik sector, killing enemy soldiers and securing a strategic ridge at 5,500 meters altitude during the Kargil War.
- He served for over 30 years in the Indian Army, retiring in 2018, and was known for his leadership in high-altitude combat and counter-insurgency roles.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior military leaders paid tribute to Wangchuk, lauding his courage, leadership, and lasting legacy of patriotism and service to the nation.
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Sonam Wangchuk Dies: Kargil War Hero Passes Away at 61; Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute | 📰 LatestLY
Kargil War hero Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd.), a Maha Vir Chakra recipient, passed away at 61. Known for his 1999 heroics in the Batalik Sector, he led a daring counter-ambush at 18,000 feet. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Indian Army paid tribute to the 'Lion of Ladakh' for his legendary leadership and service to the nation. 📰 Sonam Wangchuk Dies: Kargil War Hero Passes Away at 61; Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute.
Times of India
The Economic TimesKargil war hero Sonam Wangchuk dies; defence minister, Army pay rich tributes
Army veteran Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a Maha Vir Chakra recipient for his bravery in the 1999 Kargil war, has passed away. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Indian Army paid tribute to him as a proud son of Ladakh. His heroic actions during Operation Vijay inspired many. Colonel Wangchuk's life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and national integration.
Kargil War Hero Sonam Wangchuk Dies, Defence Minister, Army Pay Tributes
In a post on X on Friday, Rajnath Singh paid glowing tribute to Col Wangchuk describing him as a highly decorated officer of the Army, renowned for his gallantry, resolute leadership and unwavering commitment to duty.
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Kargil war hero and 'Lion of Ladakh', dies of heart attack at 61
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk served across counter-insurgency deployments in the Northeast and India's IPKF mission in Sri Lanka before moving to the Ladakh Scouts, the Army's specialist high-altitude formation.
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