New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the demise of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who was extricated alive six days after an avalanche hit his post in Siachen Glacier, saying he has left "us sad and devastated".
Read: Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, who was rescued from Siachen, dies
"He leaves us sad & devastated. RIP Lance Naik Hanamanthappa. The soldier in you remains immortal. Proud that martyrs like you served India," Modi tweeted.
He leaves us sad & devastated. RIP Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. The soldier in you remains immortal. Proud that martyrs like you served India.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2016
The last rites of Koppad will take place on Friday in his hometown in Dhawar, Karnataka. The 33-year-old soldier of the 19th Battalion of Madras Regiment is survived by his wife Mahadevi Ashok Bilebal and two-year-old daughter Netra Koppad.
Read: Hanamanthappa's village plunges into grief, CM promises ex-gratia
Several leaders, along with the Army chief also condoled the sad demise of the Siachen braveheart.
In his life and his passing Lance Naik Hanumanthappa has shown the world the meaning of perseverance & courage
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 11, 2016
Lance Naik Hanumanthappa - a braveheart martyr. Human endurance tested in the service of the nation. India is one with the grieving family.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) February 11, 2016
Deeply saddened by the passing away of Siachen braveheart Lance Naik Hanamanthappa. Condolences to his family and loved ones
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) February 11, 2016
I join millions of countrymen to extend my condolences to braveheart Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. Nation will never forget his sacrifice.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 11, 2016
Deeply saddened to learn about Lance Naik Hanumanthappa's demise. India has lost a brave soldier. Salute his courage. RIP.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 11, 2016
The soldier died today, three days after he was miraculously rescued alive from beneath tonnes of snow at a height of 19,600 feet after the February 3 avalanche hit.
Read: Siachen: Army pulls out buried soldier from 35-foot down under
The 33-year-old soldier of the 19th Battalion of Madras Regiment is survived by his wife Mahadevi Ashok Bilebal and two-year-old daughter Netra Koppad. A resident of village Betadur in Dharwad district of Karnataka, Koppad had joined the army 13 years back.
Read: Hanamanthappa was 'demonstration of exemplary courage and power': Pranab Mukherjee
The condition of Koppad, who was admitted to Army Research and Referral Hospital here on February 9, had deteriorated drastically on Wednesday.
