New Delhi, May 30: The Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps has paid tribute to the late Colonel Sonam Wangchuk and three brave soldiers of the Ladakh Scouts. They were honored for their valor during the Battle of Chorbat La in the Batalik sector on May 30, 1999, a significant military action in the Kargil War.
In a post on the social media platform X, the Corps quoted Colonel (then Major) Sonam Wangchuk’s statement, where he remarked, “What I did at Chorbat La was my duty, not an extraordinary act.” The post highlighted his leadership under extremely challenging conditions, which contributed to one of India’s early significant victories during Operation Vijay.
The post further stated, “Major Sonam Wangchuk and the courageous soldiers of the Ladakh Scouts made history during the Battle of Chorbat La in the Batalik sector. Facing sub-zero temperatures, snowstorms, enemy fire, and extremely difficult terrain, Major Wangchuk led from the front. He established observation posts at Sonam-1 and Sonam-2, eliminated enemy forces, and prevented Pakistani soldiers from gaining control over the ridgelines of the Ladakh mountain range. India remembers them with pride and gratitude.”
The Battle of Chorbat La, fought at high altitude and in a snow-covered region, was part of the extensive Operation Vijay aimed at reclaiming strategic positions occupied by infiltrators during the Kargil conflict.
Known as the ‘Snow Warriors,’ the Ladakh Scouts played a crucial role in high-altitude warfare during this operation. They conducted missions in some of the world’s toughest and most adverse conditions along the Line of Control (LoC).
According to official records and military details, the Ladakh Scouts were among the first units deployed in the Batalik sector after the infiltration was detected in early May 1999. This unit launched several attacks and reconnaissance missions to drive the enemy from key mountain ridgelines, often operating under heavy artillery fire and harsh weather at elevations exceeding 18,000 feet.
Major Wangchuk’s actions in this region are credited with ensuring early tactical successes for India. Controlling the ridgelines in the Batalik area was crucial for establishing dominance over the routes along the Line of Control.
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army and one of Ladakh’s most revered military figures, was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his extraordinary bravery during Operation Vijay. Known as the ‘Lion of Ladakh,’ Colonel Wangchuk is remembered for his fearless leadership, particularly during the Battle of Chorbat La, which has become a glorious chapter in Indian military history.
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk passed away from a heart attack on April 10, 2026. His contributions continue to be honored within the Army today.
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