Tashi Namgyal, who alerted Army during Kargil War, dies in Ladakh

New Delhi: Tashi Namgyal, the Ladakhi shepherd credited with alerting Indian troops about Pakistan’s intrusion in the Kargil sector in 1999, passed away in Aryan Valley. He was 58 years old.

Namgyal had attended the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas earlier this year in Drass, 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 its social media handle 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”.

The Ladakhi shepherd was celebrated for his critical role in alerting the Indian Army about Pakistani infiltration during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

While searching for his missing yaks, Namgyal spotted Pakistani soldiers in Pathan attire digging bunkers atop the Batalik mountain range in early May 1999. Realising the gravity of the situation, he promptly informed the Indian Army, a timely warning that played a pivotal role in shaping India’s military response.

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