Ladakh bid a solemn farewell on August 8 to one of its most valiant sons, Naib Subedar Chhering Motup, Ashok Chakra awardee, whose life embodied service, humility, and extraordinary courage.

The wreath-laying ceremony, conducted with full military honours, brought together civil and military dignitaries, spiritual leaders, monks, and local residents — all united in silent tribute to a soldier whose legacy will outlast the echo of rifles and ceremonial drums.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta; Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson; Chief Secretary, Dr. Pawan Kotwal; Director General of Police, Dr. S.D. Jamwal; Councillor Likir, Smanla Dorje; and President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Chering Dorjay Lakruk, were among those present.

Senior Army officials including Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding 14 Corps; Brigadier Rinchen Dorje; LSRC Commandant Col. Kamal Pandey; Subedar Major Tashi Zangpo LSRC; and commanding officers from other battalions stood in solidarity with the bereaved family. From the veteran community, Colonel Neema, Director, Rajya Sainik Board Ladakh, and Honorary Captain Sonam Morup, President, Ex-Servicemen League Ladakh, joined in paying homage to a fellow soldier whose courage remains an enduring inspiration.

Meeting with the bereaved family, the Lt Governor offered heartfelt condolences, calling Chhering Motup a “son of the soil whose place will remain irreplaceable for years to come.”

Born into the Khachepa family of Likir, Chhering Motup, aged 80, joined the Ladakh Scouts in 1965. He was awarded the Ashok Chakra — India’s highest peacetime gallantry award — in 1985 for exemplary courage during a mission on the Saltoro Ridge in Siachen. His late son, Tsewang Morup, was a Vir Chakra awardee.