Tashi Namgyal.
Credit: X/@firefurycorps
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.
All you need to now about Tashi Namgyal:
- The Ladakhi shepherd is 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 Pathani 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.
- Namgyal's vigilance proved instrumental in India's victory, earning him recognition as the heroic shepherd whose alertness turned the tide of the conflict.
- Namgyal had attended the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas earlier this year in Drass, accompanied by his daughter Tsering Dolkar, a teacher.
- Namgyal passed away in Garkhon, located in the Aryan Valley of Ladakh.
"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 family in this hour of grief," the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps wrote on its social media handle X.
With the passing of Namgyal, social media is flooded with condolences, as people recall his brave move ahead of the Kargil war.
The Kargil war was fought between India and Pakistan in 1999 in Ladakh's Kargil district. It ended in July 1999 with India emerging victorious.
(With PTI inputs)