NEW DELHI — Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, MVC (Retd), widely celebrated as the “Lion of Ladakh”, died on Friday following a sudden heart attack. He was 61.
A decorated officer of the Indian Army, Colonel Wangchuk earned the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second highest military decoration, for his leadership of the Ladakh Scouts (Indus Wing) during the 1999 Kargil conflict. On May 30, 1999, he led his troops across the snowbound glaciated heights of Chorbat La without artillery support, achieving one of the earliest and most strategically significant victories against entrenched adversaries. His decisive action facilitated the recapture of vital positions along the Line of Control, bolstering India’s defence posture in the region.
Born in Leh, Ladakh, in 1964, Sonam Wangchuk enrolled at the Indian Military Academy in 1985 and was commissioned into the Ladakh Scouts in 1986. Over a distinguished career spanning three decades, he commanded multiple high-altitude patrols, conducted reconnaissance missions in some of the harshest terrains, and mentored generations of soldiers drawn from his home region.
The Ministry of Defence expressed its profound condolences to Colonel Wangchuk’s family, describing him as “a beacon of courage, resilience, and selfless service to the nation.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed his contributions, stating, “Colonel Wangchuk’s valour and leadership embody the spirit of the Indian soldier. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Survived by his wife Tsering Dolker and two children, Colonel Wangchuk leaves behind a legacy of valor, dedication, and unwavering commitment to India’s sovereignty. A state funeral with full military honours will be held on April 13 at the Ridge Ground in Leh.
