Tashi Namgyal, shepherd who alerted Army during 1999 Kargil War, passes away in Ladakh

Namgyal passed away in Garkhon, Aryan Valley.

Tashi Namgyal, the Ladakhi shepherd who alerted Indian troops to Pakistan's intrusion during the Kargil War in 1999, has passed away at the age of 58 in the Aryan Valley.

Namgyal, celebrated for his significant role in the war, had attended the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas earlier this year in Drass, alongside his daughter Tsering Dolkar, a teacher.

The Fire and Fury Corps, based in Leh, paid tribute to Namgyal on microblogging site X, calling him a "braveheart of Ladakh" and honouring his invaluable contribution during Operation Vijay. "A patriot passes. Rest in peace," they wrote. The Army's message stated that his efforts in 1999 "shall remain etched in golden letters," and extended condolences to his family.

A PATRIOT PASSESBraveheart of Ladakh - Rest in PeaceFire 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 passed away in Garkhon, Aryan Valley. He gained recognition for his key role in alerting the Indian Army about Pakistan's infiltration in early May 1999, while searching for his missing yaks. He spotted Pakistani soldiers in Pathan attire digging bunkers on the Batalik mountain range. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, he immediately informed the Indian Army, a timely warning that played a crucial role in India's military response.

The Kargil War, which took place from May 3 to July 26, 1999, saw India swiftly mobilise troops and thwart Pakistan's attempt to sever the Srinagar-Leh highway. Namgyal's vigilance was instrumental in India's victory, earning him the distinction of being the heroic shepherd whose actions turned the tide of the conflict.