Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd), a distinguished war hero of the Kargil War, died at the age of 61 at his home in Leh, Ladakh, India, after suffering a heart attack. Known as the 'Lion of Ladakh', Wangchuk was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest military honor, for his extraordinary bravery during the 1999 Kargil War. As a Major, he led the Ladakh Scouts in a pivotal operation at Chorbat La on May 30, 1999, capturing a strategic position despite lacking artillery support, marking a significant early success for Indian forces in the conflict. In his final days, Wangchuk had been feeling unwell and had recently lost his father. His family reported he experienced chest pain but was initially deemed stable after medical tests. He is survived by his wife, Padma Angmo, and their son, Riggyal Otvum. The family plans to perform Buddhist rituals before final rites are conducted.