Ladakh on Monday bid farewell to two of the victims killed in CRPF firing during recent violence in Leh, including a Kargil War veteran and a 23-year-old youth. Their cremations were held amid a strict curfew, days after the deadly clashes on September 24 that left four people dead and nearly 100 injured.
The last rites took place under heavy security and restrictions. A day after the cremation of two others, authorities imposed stringent curbs across Leh town on Monday, sealing roads leading to the cremation ground. Security personnel were seen checking identity cards of even government officials, while police deployed checkpoints on the city’s outskirts to inspect all vehicles.
Those cremated on Monday were 45-year-old former Army soldier Tsewang Tharchin, a veteran of the Kargil War, and Rinchen Dadul, a young travel company employee who was the sole caregiver for his specially-abled mother.
Relatives of the deceased said the cremations were conducted quietly, with only close family members, relatives, and villagers in attendance. “The cremation took place in the afternoon. Only family and close relatives were allowed,” said a relative of Tharchin.
For the second consecutive day, media personnel were barred from covering the funerals. The Leh Apex Body called the media blackout “unfortunate,” accusing the government of attempting to “hide the truth.”
Tharchin and Rinchen were among the four civilians killed when security forces opened fire during a violent protest in Leh on Wednesday. Rinchen, the youngest of six siblings, was described by his family as a vital support system for his mother.
“His mother is unable to walk and was entirely dependent on Rinchen. She is devastated by his death,” said his maternal uncle.
As of Monday, curfew remained in place across Leh for the sixth consecutive day, with no relaxation granted. Officials stated that since the cremations were conducted peacefully, limited curfew relaxation may be announced on Tuesday. Mobile internet services also remained suspended.
On Saturday, a brief curfew relaxation had allowed locals to rush to markets to stock up on essential items.
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, often hailed as the “Real Lion of Ladakh,” stands as a symbol of unyielding courage and strategic brilliance in the annals of Indian military history. Born on May 11, 1964, in the serene village of Sankar near Leh in Ladakh, India, Wangchuk’s life journey from a modest Himalayan upbringing to becoming a decorated war hero encapsulates the spirit of resilience that defines the people of this high-altitude region. His story, particularly his pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War, continues to inspire generations, blending tales of battlefield valor with a post-retirement commitment to community
Wangchuk’s early life was deeply intertwined with Ladakh’s cultural and spiritual fabric. A native of Khakshal village near Leh town, he was born into a family with notable connections his mother was the sister of politician Thupstan Chhewang and the niece of the revered spiritual leader Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. His father, initially a forest ranger, later served as the security officer for the 14th Dalai Lama, exposing young Wangchuk to influences of Tibetan Buddhism and monastic discipline. This environment instilled in him a profound respect for nature and a calm demeanor under pressure, traits that would prove invaluable in his military career.
At around five years old in 1969, Wangchuk moved to Solan, Himachal Pradesh, attending St. Luke’s School until the fourth standard. By 1973, the family relocated to Dharamshala, where he studied at Sacred Heart High School and had personal interactions with the Dalai Lama due to his father’s role. In 1975, a transfer to Delhi led him to The Modern School on Barakhamba Road. He pursued higher education at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history. Despite his father’s aspirations for him to enter civil services, Wangchuk was drawn to the army, inspired by his relative, Colonel Wangdus, who exemplified military service.
These formative years in diverse settings from the stark beauty of Ladakh to the bustling capital honed his adaptability and fostered a deep patriotism. Growing up amid the Himalayas, he developed an innate understanding of mountainous terrain, which later became a strategic advantage in his military exploits.
Wangchuk’s entry into the Indian Army marked the beginning of a distinguished three-decade career. He attended the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the 4th Battalion of the Assam Regiment on June 13, 1987, with service number IC-45952M. His initial postings tested his mettle: as a company commander in Ukhrul, Northeast India, he handled counter-insurgency operations in challenging tribal areas. He then served with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka, gaining experience in international conflict zones.
Recognizing his affinity for high-altitude warfare, Wangchuk was deputed to the Indus Wing of the Ladakh Scouts, a regiment comprising local Ladakhi soldiers known as the “Snow Tigers” or “Snow Warriors.” Formed originally as the Nubra Guards in 1948 and reorganized as an infantry regiment in 2000, the Ladakh Scouts specialize in mountain warfare, leveraging their physiological adaptations to extreme altitudes. Wangchuk’s leadership in this unit would culminate in his promotion to Major and, eventually, Colonel before his retirement in 2018.
Throughout his service, Wangchuk accumulated a host of decorations beyond his gallantry award, reflecting consistent excellence:
| Award/Medal | Description | Year/Awarded For |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) | Second-highest gallantry award for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy | 1999, Kargil War |
| Samanya Seva Medal | For active service | Various |
| Special Service Medal | For specialized service | Various |
| Operation Vijay Star | For participation in Operation Vijay (Kargil) | 1999 |
| Siachen Glacier Medal | For service in Siachen Glacier | Various |
| Operation Vijay Medal | For service during Kargil War | 1999 |
| Sainya Seva Medal | For non-combatant service | Various |
| High Altitude Service Medal | For high-altitude duties | Various |
| Videsh Seva Medal | For overseas service (e.g., IPKF) | Various |
| 50th Anniversary of Independence Medal | Commemorative | 1997 |
| 20 Years Long Service Medal | For long service | Various |
| 9 Years Long Service Medal | For long service | Various |
This table illustrates the breadth of his contributions, from frontline combat to sustained operational duties.
The 1999 Kargil War thrust Wangchuk into the national spotlight. As Pakistani forces, disguised as militants from the Northern Light Infantry, infiltrated Indian territory during the harsh winter, occupying strategic heights 10-15 km inside the Line of Control (LOC), India mounted Operation Vijay to evict them. Wangchuk, then a Major leading a column from the Indus Wing of the Ladakh Scouts in the Batalik sector, was tasked with securing a ridge line at Chorbat La a glaciated pass at approximately 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) elevation.
On May 30-31, 1999, his patrol of about 25-40 men encountered an ambush by heavily armed Pakistani intruders, estimated at around 135 troops entrenched in 12-13 tents beyond the LOC. The enemy, positioned advantageously, opened fire, killing Havildar Tsewang Rigzin (or another NCO) due to excessive bleeding in the sub-zero temperatures of minus 6 degrees Celsius amid two feet of snow. Undeterred, Wangchuk held his column together, splitting them into flanking positions for a counter-ambush. Waiting for nightfall and aided by mist, his team blessed with sacred threads from the Dalai Lama launched a surprise dawn attack on June 1, killing 10+ enemy soldiers and forcing the rest to retreat.
They recovered significant enemy assets: one heavy machine gun, one universal machine gun, ammunition, controlled stores, and three enemy bodies. This three-day battle cleared the Chorbat La axis up to the LOC, preventing Pakistan from blocking vital supply routes and marking India’s first clear territorial gain in the war. Wangchuk’s unit held the position for 14 days before handing it over to the 14th Sikh Regiment. Six of his soldiers also received gallantry medals for their roles.
The official Maha Vir Chakra citation captures the essence: “Major Sonam Wangchuk displayed exceptional bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the presence of enemy fire and in extreme conditions in the glaciated area.” This victory boosted Indian morale and laid the groundwork for subsequent operations, as Wangchuk himself noted in recent reflections, calling the Pakistani infiltration a “clear act of treachery.”
Wangchuk praised the Ladakh Scouts’ unique edge: as “born mountain warriors,” their physiological strength, mental toughness, and patriotism make them unparalleled in high-altitude combat, outperforming in wars like 1962, 1965, and 1999. He emphasized their stamina, endurance, and calm under pressure, asserting that in mountain warfare, they have “no match.”
Retiring in 2018, Wangchuk eschewed the limelight, focusing instead on meaningful contributions. He works with youth programs, supports veterans’ families, and advocates for protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. As a concerned citizen, he has voiced support for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh post the abrogation of Article 370, though not in a leadership role.
His story gained wider reach through the 2017 documentary The Lion of Ladakh, directed by Soumil Shetty and released by President Ram Nath Kovind to mark the 70th anniversary of the Ladakh Scouts. Featuring interviews with Wangchuk, his wife Padma Angmo, his men, and retired officers like Lieutenant-General Mohinder Puri, it has amassed over 2.5 million views. The film highlights his remarkable fitness he runs 14-15 kilometers daily at 18,000 feet and his light-hearted personality.
In recent years, Wangchuk has delivered motivational talks, such as at the OTA in Gaya in September 2024, sharing personal anecdotes to inspire cadets. Returning to Chorbat La after 26 years in 2025, he noted improved infrastructure like roads and communications, affirming the Indian Army’s readiness. Social media tributes in 2025 continue to celebrate him, with posts recounting his defeat of overwhelming odds and calling for recognition of such heroes.
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk’s moniker, “The Real Lion of Ladakh,” stems from his ferocious defence of his homeland, embodying the quiet bravery that turned the tide in Kargil. While accounts vary slightly such as enemy numbers or exact casualties, reflecting the complexities of wartime reporting his impact is unequivocal: a first victory that inspired the nation and highlighted the Ladakh Scouts’ indispensable role. Married to Padma Angmo, Wangchuk lives a life of humility, reminding us that true heroes often speak through actions rather than words. His story urges remembrance of soldiers’ sacrifices and the importance of safeguarding border regions like Ladakh, ensuring their legacy endures in India’s collective memory.
Terming “jointness” among the three-armed forces as a “core operational necessity”, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said joint operations during Operation Sindoor, delivered “decisive results” and that success must be a “benchmark” for future operations.
The minister was speaking at a seminar on ‘Fostering greater jointness’, hosted by the Indian Air Force on Tuesday. Referring to the efficacy of joint operations during Operation Sindoor, he said: “The tri‑service synergy produced a unified, real‑time operational picture. It empowered commanders to make timely decisions, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced the risk of fratricide. This is a living example of jointness delivering decisive results, and this success must become the benchmark for all future operations.”
The event took place just two weeks after PM Modi instructed the Ministry of Defence to swiftly implement “concrete steps” to achieve greater jointness among the forces to meet future challenges and prevail under any eventuality. In military terms, jointness is the first step toward creating “theatre commands.” It entails coordination in planning, operations, training, communications and acquisitions.
This should be followed by the integration, or the amalgamation, of different sensors, systems, weapons and networks of each service. The creation of a common commander — the theatre commander — for the execution of tasks should be the next step.
Meanwhile, the minister was categorical on the government’s objective to promote jointness and integration among the three services – the Army, IAF and Navy. “This is not only a matter of policy but a matter of survival in the fast-changing security environment,” Rajnath added.
“The evolving character of warfare makes jointness a core operational necessity rather than a matter of choice… No single service can operate in isolation. Interoperability and jointness are now essential for success in any conflict,” he asserted.
This does not mean erasing the unique identity of each of the services, the minister said adding “integration must respect uniqueness of each force… We cannot impose uniformity where it does not fit. Our task is to create a shared baseline that preserves uniqueness while building interoperability”.
“Each service must feel others understand their challenges, and every tradition must be honoured as we build new systems together,” he said.
Each service possesses the capacity to respond independently; however, the interconnected nature of war makes collaborative strength the true guarantor of victory. The minister announced that work has begun on a joint logistics application, which will integrate the systems of the three services to provide shared visibility of stocks, optimise cross‑service resources and reduce redundant procurement.
Rajnath Singh said that in today’s security climate, compartmentalisation must give way to open sharing and collective learning. He warned that in critical domains such as aviation safety and cyber warfare, divergence in standards could prove disastrous. Even a minor error in inspection can create cascading effects. And if our cyber‑defence systems differ across services, adversaries can exploit the gap, he added.
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the Bombay High Court ruled that the officers cannot face criminal proceedings after being tried under the Army Act. (File Photo)
The Mumbai High Court has quashed the prosecution sanction accorded by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) against two Army officers of the rank of Lt Colonel in an eight-year-old case of the death of an Army officer’s child.
The judgement by the division bench in Goa, uploaded in public domain on September 25, quashed the prosecution sanction, granted under Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), to prosecute Lt Col Umesh Kanadikar and Lt Col Gurinder Singh Uppal of the Corps of Engineers. They were to face trial before a criminal court in Goa under Section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code, along with a few civilians.
The writ petitions filed by the two officers challenging their prosecution revolved around an incident on April 6, 2017, when a child aged four-and-a-half years, son of Lt Col Narendra R Taralkar and Surgeon Lt Commander Trishna Taralkar, fell from the 6th floor of the newly constructed Married Accommodation Project-II, at the naval officers’ accommodation in Goa.
The incident resulted in the filing of a case at the Vasco police station on the complaint filed by the headquarters of Goa naval area against Naresh Kumar Garg, chairman, and Pradeep Kumar Garg, managing director of NKG Infrastructure Ltd, New Delhi. They were accused of failure to take proper care and safety while constructing the said building, leading to the death of the minor boy falling from the sixth floor, along with the window grill, which was not properly fixed by screws to the wall.
Wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Gitanjali J Angmo, refuted the Ladakh Police’s claim that the activist was in touch with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative.
Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Gitanjali said that they attended a climate change conference organised by the United Nations and a Pakistani media outlet.
She said, ” This is absolutely wrong and false, we condemn it to the core. A narrative is being formed to frame someone…When the UT government was buying Chinese tablets, he (Wangchuk) was talking about tackling China not with bullets but with a wallet. How can such a person be anti-national?” “In February, we went to a conference organised by the UN and Dawn media on climate change. If India plays cricket with China, will the players and cricket bodies be anti-national? A conference on glaciers which provide water to all the countries from Bangladesh to Afghanistan… If a person participates in such a conference, will he be an ISI agent? What is the evidence behind it? They are saying a Pakistani entered here, so the MHA should answer.”
Replying to the DGP Ladakh’s allegations labelling Wangchuk as ‘anti-national’, Gitanjali asked if the government was awarding an anti-national when they awarded him for the solar-heated buildings and Ice Stupas.
“Do they not see that they are awarding someone who is anti-national? The Minister of Tribal Affairs awarded Ice Stupas–did they not realise that it was anti-national? How weak is their intelligence system?” Gitanjali added.
Gitanjali’s remarks came as Ladakh DGP Jamwal addressed a press conference, stating that the police had arrested a Pakistan PIO who was in touch with Wangchuk.
He said, “We arrested a Pakistan PIO in the recent past who was reporting back across. We have a record of this. He (Sonam Wanghchuk) had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan. He also visited Bangladesh. So, there is a big question mark on him…Investigation is being done.” She told ANI that Wangchuk only advocated for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which she said is important for democracy in the Union Territory.
Gitanjali said that the movement for statehood cannot be undermined as it has the support of the people of Ladakh.
She added, “It’s essential to acknowledge that not only does Sonam Wangchuk advocate for the Sixth Schedule, but the entire leadership supports him, as do all citizens of Ladakh and possibly the entire country. Because he is simply voicing the people’s wishes to the government… These individuals believe that by attacking their reputation from all angles, they can undermine this movement. However, this movement resides in everyone’s heart.”
“The Sixth Schedule is not anti-development. It doesn’t imply that the people won’t allow the government to do anything there. The Sixth Schedule simply states that democracy is important in any region, and that a fragile ecosystem or tribal area has its own ways; your development cannot be their development,” said Gitanjali.
Speaking about the climate activist’s detention amid the violence on September 24, she said: “I was at HIAL managing things and not physically present because he went to meet his family. The house was searched with 5-10 people inside, and about 100 police personnel were outside. I learned at 4 am from Inspector Rigzin that he was detained. They said it was detention, not arrest, and that once he lands in Jodhpur, ASP Shukla would call to explain our rights. Four days later, we haven’t received any call, detention order, or information about his condition…We’ve called and left messages, but he hasn’t responded, and we can’t go out due to curfew.”
Amid curfew and surveillance, she claimed that they are under a virtual house arrest, and HAIL staff and students were also kept under detention.
“Yesterday, CRPF followed you into our campus, is this democracy?… We’re virtually under house arrest; people are questioned when they come and go. Our staff and students were detained overnight, and others are being taken without reason. They aim to create fear in a peaceful area. Democracy is about dialogue, not oppression,” she said.
Meanwhile, the prohibitions under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, which were imposed in Leh following the violence on September 24, were lifted for three hours today, and people flocked to the markets to buy essential items. ANI
Incorporating lessons from Operation Sindoor, the Army today validated its operational concepts for employing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in future battles.
As part of a five-day exercise, Vayu Samanvay, conducted at the Naraingarh Field Firing Ranges near Ambala, formations from Western Command and South-Western Command carried out both offensive and defensive manoeuvres using various types of drones and counter-drone systems.
“Drones have been integrated into every arm and service of the Army, including the delivery of supplies in high-altitude areas. Operation Sindoor provided several lessons in drone operations, and these are now being implemented and refined for tactical employment. There is increased focus on the fabrication of drones, their local development, and training of troops in operating them,” Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, said.
He said a great deal of emphasis is being laid on drone warfare and strengthening training, because if the next such confrontation happens, the punishment that would be inflicted on the enemy would be much more severe.
The drones used in this exercise were tactical drones fabricated by different units and the local industry, having a range of up to five kms and a payload capacity of 5 kg that would be employed by units in the immediate battle space for precision strikes and surveillance.
Stating that the Army also has high-end drones with longer range and higher payload capacity, Lt Gen Katiyar said the Army would be requiring thousands of drones in the coming years to meet its operational and logistics requirement. The ammunition that these drones would be using is also being fabricated locally.
The Army also employed drones in rescue operations during the recent floods in many parts of north-west India, where they were used instead of helicopters for observation as well as delivering relief material to places that were cut-off.
Officers participating in the exercise said that the two basic aims of the exercise in the light of experiences during Operation Sindoor were how to counter enemy UAS and how to enhance our own offence capability.
Stating that besides the armed forces, drones are being used in many other fields, the Army Commander referred to the “drone didi’ scheme, where women in rural areas are being trained to use drones in agriculture and said that they would launch a training programme for such women shortly.
Formations and units from the two Commands played the role of opposing forces from two countries, designated as ‘Suryadesh’ and ‘Chandradesh’ during the drill and demonstrated a simulated drone attack and counter-drone measures using swarms. Drones were used to drop different types of live ordnance including artillery shells and mortar bombs.
At least 10 people were killed and several others injured on Tuesday after a powerful explosion hit Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, according to Dawn.
The bomb blast ripped through a busy street near Quetta’s Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters. CCTV videos have emerged on social media showing the moment the powerful explosion hit the road.
Quoting the police, it said that 10 people were killed in the blast while at least 19 others were injured.
The Balochistan Health Department imposed an emergency in hospitals across the city, the Dawn newspaper reported, quoting Health Secretary Mujeebur Rehman.
“All consultants, doctors, pharmacists, staff nurses, and paramedical staff have been directed to remain present in the hospitals,” Rehman said.
“Nineteen people injured in the blast were brought to the Civil Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department and the Trauma Centre,” the newspaper quoted provincial Health Department Media Coordinator Dr Waseem Baig as saying.
Ludhiana: As the nation marks the 199th Gunners Day on Sunday, Ludhiana’s Veteran Gunners will gather at the Ludhiana Defence Officers Institute to celebrate the occasion with pride and camaraderie. Gunners Day commemorates the raising of the first Indian artillery unit—5 Bombay Mountain Battery—on Sept 28, 1827, a defining moment in the history of the Regiment of Artillery.Though Ludhiana does not host an artillery unit, the city has a strong presence of retired artillery officers who have been celebrating Gunners Day since 2009. The initial gathering included five veterans. This year, 35 retired officers from the artillery have confirmed their participation. The event will feature a 45-minute programme followed by a “Gunners Day Dinner,” bringing together veterans, their families, and serving officers from nearby units.Brigadier (Retd) S S Gill, the organising secretary, said the celebration would include tributes to Major Gurdial Singh, who passed away at the age of 103. Serving officers, including the Station Commander, Air Officer Commanding Halwara Air Base, and NCC Group Commander, will also participate in the programme.
Colonel (Retd) H S Kahlon, who received the Vir Chakra for his bravery in the 1971 war, underlined the crucial role of the artillery in every military operation. He noted that Gunners Day is not just a celebration but a moment to reconnect, share memories, and honour the legacy of the artillery.Many of the participating veterans hail from rural areas of Ludhiana district, reflecting the widespread contribution of Punjab to the Indian Army’s artillery arm. The Artillery Regiment is now the second-largest arm of the Indian Army, known for its firepower and strategic importance.Director General of Artillery, Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, has sent his felicitations to the Ludhiana veterans, applauding their spirit and dedication to celebrating the day despite the absence of an artillery unit in the city. Ludhiana Station Commander Brigadier Bijoy Chaudhary has also conveyed his best wishes.The event promises to be a heartfelt reunion of those who once served with guns and grit.
