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The Army paid tribute to Tashi Namgyal, the Ladakhi shepherd credited with alerting Indian troops about Pakistan’s intrusion in the Kargil sector in 1999. He passed away in Aryan Valley. He was 58 years old.
“Fire and Fury Corps extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Tashi Namgyal – The first informant of Kargil intrusion leading to the War. Immediate assistance has been provided to the family and continued support assured. Shree Tashi Namgyal is survived by a wife, two sons and a daughter,” Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps of the Army wrote on its social media handle X.
The post added, “The Army shall remain indebted to his contribution to the nation and his selfless sacrifice shall forever be remembered”.
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.
The ensuing Kargil War, fought between May 3 and July 26, 1999, saw Indian troops mobilising swiftly, thwarting Pakistan’s covert mission to sever the Srinagar-Leh highway.
Namgyal’s vigilance proved instrumental in India’s victory, earning him recognition as the heroic shepherd whose alertness turned the tide of the conflict.
