Heroic Tribal Man Who Alerted Army About Kargil Intruders Awaits Desperately Needed Government Aid
In May 1999, Namgyal, a vigilant shepherd from Aryan Valley in Kargil’s Garkon, now part of the Union territory of Ladakh, detected suspicious movements of Pakistani intruders and promptly reported them to Havildar Balwinder Singh of the Punjab Regiment and Havildar Nandu Ram of Military Intelligence. The Kargil War, which ensued from May 3 to July 26, 1999, saw Indian troops swiftly mobilize thanks to Namgyal’s timely alert, ultimately thwarting the Pakistani military’s covert mission to sever key road connections. Namgyal’s actions were instrumental to India’s hard-won victory in the conflict, establishing him as an unsung hero whose vigilance turned the tide.
However, 25 years later, Namgyal still awaits compensation for the 18 yaks he lost to the intruders and hopes for official recognition in the form of a civilian honor. Reflecting on his sacrifice, Namgyal, now 58 and a father of four, recalled that “Nandu Ram reassured me that if my information is correct, ‘you will become India’s hero, and my name will be written in golden letters.’ All financial hardships would be over.”
Despite his invaluable contribution, Namgyal has not received any compensation for his lost yaks. “The government provides compensation for various losses, but I have not received anything for my yaks. I am ready to provide all details through the village headman to get compensated,” he told the Times of India. While he receives a monthly ration allowance of Rs 18,000 and appreciates the annual honors from the Army during Kargil Vijay Diwas, he still hopes for broader recognition from the Centre.
Attending the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass with his daughter, Tsering Dolkar, a teacher, Namgyal continues to aspire for the country’s civilian honor to recognize his significant contribution. “My father is a hero to me and the entire country. He made a huge contribution to the victory in the Kargil War. He deserves the country’s civilian honor,” said Dolkar.
Original Story https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-meet-man-tribal-who-tipped-off-army-about-pakistani-intruders-in-kargil-awaits-relief-from-govt-even-after-2-3098546
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