2EThe stories of Kargil war and heroes it forged have been our admiration since 1999 and they will make us feel proud for many many decades to come. Many perished and their valour became a legend while some survived to tell their stories. Kargil was one of the toughest exams of India’s military prowess because the enemy was at the top while we were caught off guard.
They say that it was artillery support that changed to fortunes for the Indian army in the war because it was artillery that disturbed the otherwise calm enemy sitting in a position from where he could look and hit at will. But not many know that the first peak India seized on Kargil heights was captured with the artillery supports and a team of 30 men of Ladakh Scouts led by Major Sonam Wangchuk not only captured the 18000 feet high ride just inside the Indian side of LOC, but also sealed the possibility further infiltration by Pakistanis.
They say that it was artillery support that changed to fortunes for the Indian army in the war because it was artillery that disturbed the otherwise calm enemy sitting in a position from where he could look and hit at will. But not many know that the first peak India seized on Kargil heights was captured with the artillery supports and a team of 30 men of Ladakh Scouts led by Major Sonam Wangchuk not only captured the 18000 feet high ride just inside the Indian side of LOC, but also sealed the possibility further infiltration by Pakistanis.
This is the story of Major Wangchuk and how he and his men captured the ridge which led to him getting Mahavir Chakra.
He was on leave in May 1999.
In May 1999, he was on an annual vacation at his home in Khakshal in Leh. As soon as he heard that he needs to resume the duty, he rushed to Dalai Lama who was in the town and took his blessings before he headed for the front. Maj Wangchuk also promised his son Riggyal that he would return before his birthday on June 11.
In May 1999, he was on an annual vacation at his home in Khakshal in Leh. As soon as he heard that he needs to resume the duty, he rushed to Dalai Lama who was in the town and took his blessings before he headed for the front. Maj Wangchuk also promised his son Riggyal that he would return before his birthday on June 11.
Two days later, he reported at Handen Brok, a Border Security Force base camp in the Chorbat La sub sector of Batalik. The last stop before the Line of Control, this was the post from where recon patrols were sent out into the mountains. Because of his natural acclimatization to the region, knowledge of local language and experience in Siachen, Wangchuk was often given the task of establishing an observation post on the Line of Control high in the mountains.
When Wangchuk was assigned to task establish post on 18000 feet high ridge
When Maj Wangchuk was handed over the task to establish post at 18000 feet high ridge, Indian army had very little clue about the extent of Pakistan infiltration, presence of their men and ammunition on the Kargil heights.Therefore, basically, Maj Wangchuk had almost no knowledge about the enemy. Wangchuk and his band of 30-odd soldiers of the Ladakh Scouts left on their next mission to establish their post on an 18000 feet high ridge just inside the Indian side of LoC.
When team used boulders as weapons
When team used boulders as weapons
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