Tashi Namgyal, a Ladakhi shepherd, who alerted the local army unit about suspicious activity in May 1999 died on Friday. Namgyal was the first to warn the Indian Army about intrusion by the Pakistani Army in Kargil after he saw men in Pathani clothes clearing snow.
The Fire and Fury Corps paid a tribute to Tashi Namgyal, on X they wrote. “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 shepherd was looking for a missing yak when he saw the Pakistani army atop the Batalik mountain range. His valuable information helped the army to act fast – leading to the 'Kargil war' with Pakistan between May and July 1999.
Earlier this year, Namgyal attended the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas with his daughter Tsering Dolkar. He had wished for compensation for the 18 yaks he lost during the conflict and an official recognition with a civilian honour.
Namgyal lived in Aryan Valley in Garkon, which is part of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
BJP worker Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also expressed his condolences in an ‘X’ post, he wrote he was deeply saddened by the loss of Tashi Namgyal.
“His courageous alert to the Army during the 1999 Kargil War was pivotal in defending India. A true unsung hero of Kargil, his legacy of patriotism will inspire generations. My Tribute & Heartfelt Condolences”.