Ex-Army Chief KV Krishna Rao cremated

Family members of former Army Chief Gen. K.V. Krishna Rao pay tribute during his cremation at Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment, on Sunday. — AP

The mortal remains of former Army Chief and 1971 war veteran Gen. K.V. Krishna Rao were cremated with full military honours in the capital on Sunday. He had passed away at the Military Hospital in New Delhi on Saturday.

Army Chief Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag laid a floral wreath to pay his tributes, saying, “Gen. Krishna Rao was a soldier statesman who inspired a generation of soldiers and will continue to do so even after his demise”.

President Pranab Mukh-erjee, in his message, stated, “Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of General K.V. Krishna Rao, former COAS. His exemplary services to the nation and the Army will always be remembered”.

Defence minister Mano-har Parrikar condoled the passing away of Gen. Rao, stating, “The country has lost one of our best known military leaders. He was a visionary who led ably, inspired a generation of soldiers and initiated modernisation of Indian Army in the early 1980’s. His contribution in the 1971 War and maintaining the unity and integrity of the country shall always be remembered”.

Wreaths were laid on the mortal remains on behalf of President Mukherjees, defence minister Parrikar, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, minister of state for external affairs and former Army Chief Gen. (Retd) V.K. Singh, among others.