New Delhi: Tashi Namgyal, the shepherd, who alerted the Army about Pakistan’s infiltration in the Kargil sector in 1999, passed away in Ladakh’s Aryan Valley. He was 58. Earlier this year, Namgyal attended the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Drass, where he was accompanied by his daughter, Tsering Dolkar, a teacher.
“Fire and Fury Corps pays tribute to Mr Tashi Namgyal on his sudden demise,” the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps wrote on X. The Army further said, “A patriot passes. Braveheart of Ladakh – Rest in Peace.” The tribute highlighted his invaluable contribution to the nation during Operation Vijay in 1999, saying it “shall remain etched in golden letters”. “We offer our deep condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” it added.
A PATRIOT PASSES
Braveheart of Ladakh – Rest in Peace
Fire and Fury Corps pays tribute to Mr Tashi Namgyal on his sudden demise. His invaluable contribution to the nation during Op Vijay 1999 shall remain etched in golden letters. We offer deep condolences to the bereaved… pic.twitter.com/jmtyHUHNfB
— @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) December 20, 2024
Namgyal provided important details to Army
In May 1999, while searching for his missing yaks, Namgyal spotted Pakistani soldiers in Pathan attire digging bunkers atop the Batalik mountain range. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, he immediately informed the Army, providing important details that played a key role in India’s response. His timely warning was pivotal in thwarting Pakistan’s plans.
During the 1999 Kargil War, fought between May 3 and July 26, Indian troops quickly mobilised to prevent Pakistan from achieving its covert objective of cutting off the Srinagar-Leh highway. Namgyal was recognised as a national hero after the war.
