India, April 10 -- Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Kargil hero and Mahavir Chakra awardee, died of a heart attack at his home on Friday, at the age of 61. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief on the passing of Colonel Wangchuk, who had retired and was living in Ladakh.

During the Kargil War in 1999, he was assigned the critical mission of securing Chorbat La in the Batalik sub-sector, along the Line of Control with Pakistan in Ladakh. He led the personnel from the Ladakh Scouts. Leading from the front, he established key observation posts under harsh conditions, engaged enemy troops, and successfully eliminated several intruders.

According to his gallantry award citation, Wangchuk climbed through fresh snow of 1-2m in the Chorbat La s...