A quarter-century later, Namgyal, the vigilant shepherd who alerted the Indian troops of Pakistani intruders in Kargil, still awaits compensation for the 18 yaks lost to intruders and official recognition in the form of a civilian honour.
In May 1999, as soon as he spotted the intruders, Namgyal reported the suspicious movement to Havildar Balwinder Singh of the Punjab Regiment and Havildar Nandu Ram of Military Intelligence. "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," recalled the 58-year-old Namgyal, father of four from Aryan Valley in Kargil’s Garkon, now part of the Union territory of Ladakh. The ensuing Kargil War raged from May 3 to July 26, 1999. Thanks to Namgyal’s timely alert, Indian troops mobilized swiftly, thwarting the Pakistani military’s covert mission to sever the highway. India’s victory in Kargil was hard-won, and Namgyal emerged as a hero — the vigilant shepherd whose alertness turned the tide.
"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," Times of India quoted him as saying.
While Namgyal appreciates the annual honors he receives from the Army during Kargil Vijay Diwas, he hopes for broader recognition. "I get Rs 18,000 a month as a ration allowance. The Army takes care of me whenever I need help. Although 25 years have passed, I still hope the Centre will give me some civilian honor for my contribution to the forces," he said.
Namgyal attended the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass with his daughter Tsering Dolkar, a teacher. "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.
