Kargil War hero Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, famously called the “Lion of Ladakh” and credited with securing one of the early victories for the country during the battle, died on Friday following a heart attack. Col Wangchuk breathed his last at his home in Leh. “Very sad to learn about the passing away of Sonam Wangchuk, MVC, Kargil War hero who captured Chorbat La with his Ladakh Scouts troops. While Col Wangchuk did not associate himself publicly with the Sixth Schedule or statehood movement in Ladakh, he was not a passivevoice when it came to the country’s defences. What media reports or the locals say is contradictory (to the Prime Minister’s remarks),” Col Wangchuk had told Leh-based news portal Reach Ladakh.

Source: The Telegraph April 11, 2026 05:36 UTC