New Delhi : Condoling the demise of Siachen braveheart Lance Naik Hanamanthappa, Congress president Sonia Gandhi has expressed deep shock and profound grief at the demise of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa.
“During his life, the brave heart son of India united the entire Nation in praying for him and has every citizen grieving for him today. He fought till his last displaying utmost valour, courage and determination, which is the hallmark of our Armed Forces,”she said.
Gandhi extended her deepest condolences to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa’s family and loved ones.
Party vice-president Rahul Gandhi said the lone Siachen avalanche survivor had shown the world meaning of ‘perseverance and courage’.
Rahul took to micro-blogging site Twitter to express his grief.
“In his life and his passing Lance Naik Hanumanthappa has shown the world the meaning of perseverance & courage,” he said in a tweet.
“His extraordinary spirit and tenacity, till the very end, is an inspiration for all. My thoughts & prayers are with his bereaved family,” he added.
Meanwhile, expressing grief over Hanamathappa’s demise, Congress leader Manish Tewari said, “It is extremely sad that after waging such a heroic battle, unfortunately this brave soldier passed away. Our condolences are with the family.”
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala tweeted, “A greatful Nation pays last tribute to Siachen braveheart, Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad. He’ll always be in our prayers & hearts.”
Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who was miraculously found alive after remaining buried under huge mass of snow for six days at the Siachen Glacier, passed away at Army’s Research and Referral Hospital at 11.45 a.m. today.
A medical bulletin released by Army’s Research and Referral Hospital earlier today had said that Lance Naik Hanamanthappa slipped into deep coma despite ‘maximal life support with aggressive ventilation and dialysis’.
Lance Naik Hanamanthappa, who hails from Karnataka, was flown to Delhi on Tuesday morning in a special air ambulance and admitted to the hospital. (ANI)