Siachen braveheart Hanamanthappa passes away, nation pays tribute

Lance Naik Hanumanthappa was pulled out alive from under 35 feet of snow six days after 10 soldiers went missing.

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".

"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

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.

he 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.

The condition of Koppad, who was admitted to Army Research and Referral Hospital here on February 9, had deteriorated drastically on Wednesday.