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Col. Sonam Wangchuk, Mahavir Chakra Awardee, Passes Away

10 April 20261 min read
NATIONAL AFFAIRSCol. SonamWangchuk, MahavirChakra Awardee,Passes Away10 April 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a decorated hero of the 1999 Kargil War, died on 10 April 2026 at age 61.

Key facts

  • He died on 10 April 2026, aged 61; a heart attack is given as the cause in the reference source.
  • He received the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest gallantry honour, for the Kargil War operation at Chorbat La, Batalik sector (30-31 May 1999).
  • His column killed two enemy soldiers, recovered weapons and cleared the route to the Line of Control.
  • He was nicknamed the Lion of Ladakh in the Army.

About the officer

Born on 11 May 1964 in Sankar, Leh district, Ladakh, he was commissioned into the 4th Battalion of the Assam Regiment. He served in north-east India and Sri Lanka with the Indian Peace Keeping Force, and later with the Ladakh Scouts. A 2017 documentary on his troops carried the Lion of Ladakh title.

Exam angle

  • Maha Vir Chakra is the second-highest gallantry award.
  • Born in Sankar, Leh district; he later served with the Ladakh Scouts.
  • Batalik sector and Chorbat La are linked to the 1999 Kargil War (Operation Vijay).
  • Batalik sector and Chorbat La: May 1999.

Test yourself

1. Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, who died on 10 April 2026, was awarded which gallantry honour?

He won the Maha Vir Chakra for action in the 1999 Kargil War.

2. His Maha Vir Chakra action took place at which pass in the Batalik sector?

The operation was at Chorbat La in May 1999.

3. By what nickname was the late Colonel Sonam Wangchuk known?

He was known as the Lion of Ladakh.

Sources: Wikipedia: Sonam Wangchuk (soldier)

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 10 April 2026 (10 topics).

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