Fallen in the Line of Duty: Tragedy in Eastern Ladakh Claims Lives of Brave Army Personnel
By: Javid Amin | 30 July 2025
“Service Before Self” — A Sacrifice Beyond Words
In the stark, high-altitude terrain of eastern Ladakh, where icy winds and unpredictable geology test even the hardiest, the Indian Army once again stood witness to the ultimate price of duty.
On July 30, during a routine training convoy movement near Charbagh in the Durbuk sector of Galwan, a massive boulder dislodged from the mountainside and fell directly on an Army SUV, resulting in a tragic accident.
What Happened
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Time of Incident: Approximately 11:30 AM
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Location: Charbagh, along the rugged Durbuk–Chongtash axis in the Galwan Valley, a region known for its challenging terrain and harsh conditions.
The convoy was part of routine movement across the high-altitude zone, where rockfalls, landslides, and treacherous roads are constant risks despite all precautions.
Casualties and Injuries
Killed in Action:
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Lt Colonel Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia
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Lance Dafadar Daljit Singh
Both soldiers lost their lives when their vehicle was crushed under the weight of the boulder, which reportedly struck without warning. The SUV was mangled, bearing testament to the sheer force of the impact.
Injured and Under Treatment:
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Maj Mayank Shubham
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Maj Amit Dixit
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Capt Gaurav
All three suffered serious injuries and are currently being treated at the Army Hospital in Leh, where medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilize them.
Homage by the Nation
In a solemn ceremony, the Fire and Fury Corps and Northern Command paid rich tributes to the departed heroes, describing them as men of valor who “served with unmatched dedication in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.”
These weren’t combat casualties—but they were no less heroic. Their sacrifice is a stark reminder that military duty doesn’t always fall to the sound of bullets—it often unfolds in silence, in storms, on cliffs, and under falling rocks.
The Unseen War in Ladakh’s Terrain
Ladakh is not just geopolitically sensitive—it is geologically unstable and inhospitable at best:
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Altitude above 14,000 ft impacts both machinery and human endurance
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Loose rock faces and glacial erosion cause frequent rockfalls
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Rapid weather changes turn sunny routes into life-threatening hazards
Even the best-trained forces remain vulnerable to the elemental brutality of this terrain.
A Nation Mourns, A Uniform Endures
Lt Col Mankotia and Lance Dafadar Singh leave behind grieving families and an entire nation in sorrow—but also in respect, gratitude, and admiration.
Their courage was not just on display in conflict zones, but in their relentless commitment to routine operations in extraordinary environments.
As tributes pour in from across the country, let us remember that every journey an Army vehicle makes in these remote regions is a mission in itself—silent, unseen, but fraught with danger.
Final Salute
Let their memory be honored not just in ceremonies, but in our understanding of military service, in our respect for those who serve, and in our support for their families.
