New Delhi: Army Chief General MM Naravane and all ranks of the Indian Army expressed their deepest grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, Madhulika Rawat, President Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA) and 11 other military personnel in an unfortunate air accident today.
“General Bipin Rawat, India’s first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military’s higher defence organisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India’s joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations,” the statement said.
Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone, the statement.
The deceased 11 military personnel accompanying the CDS and President DWWA on the way to Wellington will also be equally missed by everyone. They performed their duties as per the best traditions of the Armed Forces, the statement added.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, former chief ministers and other political leaders in the Union Territory also expressed shock over the demise of Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
The J&K Lt Governor in a tweet said that the nation has lost one of its bravest sons.
“Deeply shocked at the tragic demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 other Armed Forces Personnel in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. My thoughts and prayers are with bereaved families in this hour of grief,” Office of LG J&K tweeted.
Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh has condoled the sad demise of General Bipin Rawat.
DGP in his message has said that General Bipin Rawat’s untimely death is an irreparable loss to the country and added that General Rawat served the country with utmost professionalism and courage.
He said that his contributions in protecting the interests of the country will always be remembered. Singh has expressed his sympathy with the bereaved families who lost their dear ones in the tragic incident and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar also expressed grief at the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat.
IGP tweeted: “Deeply saddened by the sudden #demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other officers/soldiers of the Armed Forces in an #unfortunate air crash. I along with all ranks express #heartfelt #condolences to the families of all bereaved.”
Former chief minister and National Conference (NC) vice president, Omar Abdullah in a tweet prayed for the peace to the departed souls.
“Condolences to the families of Gen Rawat & the others killed in the helicopter crash earlier today. May their souls rest in peace,” Omar tweeted.
In a tweet, former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has termed the incident as a terrible tragedy and expressed condolences with the bereaved families.
“A terrible tragedy. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” Mehbooba tweeted.
Former minister and Chairman Peoples Conference (PC), Sajad Gani Lone in a tweet expressed condolences on the demise of CDS Rawat. “A terrible tragedy. Heartfelt Condolences on the death of CDS Mr Bipin Rawat. Rest in Peace,” Lone tweeted.
Jammu and Kashmir Congress Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Ghulam Ahmad Mir also expressed grief and anguish over the death of first CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife and others.
The death of Rawat is indeed a huge loss to the nation, Mir said, adding that “My deepest condolences to family, friends and colleagues of Gen. Rawat.”
Mir prayed for eternal peace to departed souls and courage to bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss. The National Conference (NC) has also expressed shock.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of CDS General Bipin Rawat and all those who lost their lives in a tragic chopper crash in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor. May the deceased rest in eternal peace,” NC tweeted.
