| News Details |
| Maj Sonam Wangchuk (MC), a real hero of Chorbatla battle | |
Kargil (J&K), July 24,(Scoop News)_Chorbat La (La translates as Pass from Ladakhi) lies on the Eastern extremity of the Batalik Sector, on the watershed of the Ladakh Range between the Valleys of the Indus and
the Shyok Rivers.
At the time in May 1999 that the intrusions were detected in Batalik and adjoining areas, it was appreciated by the local formation that
Pakistani troops would also strive to capture the tactically important Chorbatla, at that time
held by only a small detachment of the Border Security Force.
It was also assessed that capture of the Pass would allow Pakistan to open up an additional axis to maintain its troops. It was therefore
decided to secure Chorbatla by occupying defensive positions on both its flanks.
On May 18, 1999, Pakistani troops were observed on the ridgeline West of the Pass. Major Sonam Wangchuk’s company was tasked to reinforce
the pass and secure the adjoining features on the Line of Control (LoC).
He had under him soldiers from the Ladakh Scouts, composed wholly of hardy locals who knew the terrain like the back of their hands. While the bulk of the
troops moved on foot up the steep mountains to heights up to 19,000 feet above sea level, 14 soldiers were lifted in Cheetah helicopters
directly onto the ridgeline on May 20 1999.
The enemy was pre-empted; Chorbatla had been secured; another threat had been safely countered. However, the war was not over.
Over the next few days, a tussle played out between the Pakistani and our forces over gaining control of the ridge line, in which Major Sonam Wangchuk and his soldiers played a stellar role.
For his leadership and bravery, Major Sonam Wangchuk was decorated with the Mahaveer Chakra.
In May 1999, Major Sonam Wangchuk led a column of Ladakh Scouts for occupation of the Chorbatla Ridgeline on the Line of Control at a
height of approximately 19,000 feet.
The column was ambushed by the enemy in which a soldier was killed.
Major Wangchuk held his column together and made a bold plan to raid the enemy position from a flank.
Leading the raid himself and directing effective artillery fire onto the enemy, he managed to achieve complete surprise.
Two enemy personnel were killed and several wounded, forcing the enemy to vacate his position May 31 1999.
Thereafter Major Wangchuk took charge of all forces along the Line of Control in Chorbatla Axis and cleared the area up to the Line of
... |
| |
|
|
Share this Story |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|