Ladakh Bids Tearful Farewell to Ashok Chakra Hero
War hero Chhering Motup laid to rest with state honours.
Ladakh was draped in grief on Friday as the final rites of Ashok Chakra awardee Chhering Motup were performed with full state honours at his native village of Likir. Hundreds of people from across the region gathered to bid an emotional farewell to the war hero, whose courage and service remain etched in the history of India’s armed forces. Motup, 80, passed away on Sunday after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of bravery that continues to inspire generations.
The solemn ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, who laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the decorated soldier. Addressing the gathering, Gupta described Motup as “a son of the soil whose loss can never be replaced,” emphasising his unparalleled contribution to the nation’s security. The Lieutenant Governor also met with the grieving family, offering condolences and assuring them that the hero’s sacrifice would forever be remembered.
Motup’s journey in the armed forces began in 1965 when he joined the Ladakh Scouts. His moment of unparalleled heroism came two decades later during a perilous mission on the Saltoro Ridge in the Siachen Glacier. Displaying extraordinary courage under extreme conditions, he earned the Ashok Chakra in 1985 India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. His legacy of service extended to the next generation as well; his late son, Tsewang Morup, was a Vir Chakra awardee, underscoring a family tradition of valor and patriotism.
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The funeral procession in Likir was a poignant mix of military precision and heartfelt tributes. The event drew top officials, including the Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Tashi Gyalson; GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla; Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal; and DGP S D Singh Jamwal. Uniformed soldiers stood alongside civilians, paying their respects with folded hands and tearful eyes, as the tricolour-draped coffin was lowered into the earth.
As the bugle played the Last Post and the air resonated with the sound of a 21-gun salute, the people of Ladakh bid farewell to a man who embodied courage, sacrifice, and love for the motherland. For the villagers of Likir and countless others who admired him, Chhering Motup will remain a symbol of unyielding resolve and unwavering dedication to the nation’s defence. His name will be spoken with pride, not just in Ladakh but across the country, for years to come.
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