Defence minister Manohar Parrikar pays his tributes to Koppad in New Delhi PTI photo
New Delhi: Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad died here Thursday, three days after he was found miraculously alive under 35 feet of ice for six long days in the treacherous Siachen glacier.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death as Koppad’s body was flown to Hubbali in Karnataka in an IAF plane. From there, the body will be taken to his village Betadur for the last rites.
Mukherjee called Koppad a “hero who demonstrated exemplary willpower and courage in the face of adversity”.
Koppad died at 11.45 am at Delhi’s Army Hospital Research and Referral due to multi-organ failure, saddening millions in the country who prayed for his recovery.
Mukherjee added: “The nation shall always remember Hanumanthappa for his bravery and indomitable spirit.”
Modi tweeted: “He leaves us sad and devastated. RIP Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. The soldier in you remains immortal. Proud that martyrs like you served India.”
Pakistan mulls climbdown
Pakistan Thursday said the time has come for “urgent” resolution of the Siachen issue by mutually withdrawing troops from there to ensure more lives are not lost due to harsh conditions on the glacier. “These tragedies only reinforce the need to resolve the issue… urgently and through peaceful means, through dialogue,” Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit said. “We strongly feel the time has come to ensure more lives are not lost due to harsh conditions in Siachen,” the Pak envoy said. Agencies
