Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd.), Maha Vir Chakra awardee and one of the most revered heroes of the 1999 Kargil War, has passed away following a heart attack on 10 April 2026. He was widely known as the “Lion of Ladakh” for his extraordinary courage and leadership during Operation Vijay.
According to reports, the decorated officer suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in the early hours of the day. The news was first shared by senior Indian Army veteran Yogendra Kumar Joshi, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss and paid tribute to the gallant soldier.
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk was one of India’s most distinguished war veterans, remembered for his decisive role in the early stages of the Kargil War in 1999. Commissioned into the Indian Army in 1987, he served with the 4th Battalion of the Assam Regiment and later with the Ladakh Scouts, earning immense respect for his operational brilliance in high-altitude warfare.
During the night of 30–31 May 1999, then-Major Wangchuk led a small detachment of Ladakh Scouts in a daring mission at Chorbat La, at an altitude exceeding 5,000 metres. Operating under extreme weather conditions and without artillery support, his team successfully executed a flanking manoeuvre against a well-entrenched enemy position. The operation resulted in one of the first significant tactical victories for Indian forces during the conflict.
For his conspicuous bravery, exemplary leadership, and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award. His actions continue to be regarded as a benchmark of battlefield leadership and courage.
Born on 11 May 1964 in Sankar village in Leh district of Ladakh, Colonel Wangchuk served the nation for over three decades before retiring in 2018. Even after retirement, he remained a respected and admired figure, often sharing his experiences and insights through public engagements while maintaining a dignified and low-profile life.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the country, especially within defence circles and in Ladakh, where he is remembered not just as a war hero but as a symbol of courage, humility, and unwavering service to the nation.
