The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army has paid tribute to the bravery of late Colonel Sonam Wangchuk and troops of the 3 Ladakh Scouts for their valor during the Battle of Chorbat La in the Batalik Sector on May 30, 1999, a significant event in the Kargil War. Colonel Wangchuk, then Major, humbly stated that his actions were simply his duty, not extraordinary, as he led under extreme conditions, marking an early success in ‘Operation Vijay.’
Major Sonam Wangchuk and the courageous men of 3 Ladakh Scouts made history during the Battle of Chorbat La in the Batalik Sector, enduring harsh conditions to establish observation posts and thwart Pakistani troops’ control of the ridgeline on the Ladakh Range. The Battle of Chorbat La, fought at extreme high altitude, was part of India’s broader efforts under ‘Operation Vijay’ to reclaim strategic positions during the Kargil conflict.
The Ladakh Scouts, known as the ‘Snow Warriors,’ played a pivotal role in high-altitude warfare during the Kargil War, operating in challenging conditions along the Line of Control. Major Wangchuk’s strategic actions in the Batalik axis were instrumental in securing early gains for India by controlling crucial ridgelines, crucial for dominating access routes along the Line of Control.
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a highly decorated officer of the Indian Army and a revered military figure in Ladakh, was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his exceptional bravery during ‘Operation Vijay.’ Known as the ‘Lion of Ladakh,’ his fearless leadership and actions during the Battle of Chorbat La have become an integral part of military history.
