Lt Governor, ex-CMs, former ministers grieved

Srinagar, Dec 8: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, former chief ministers and other political leaders in the Union Territory Wednesday 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.
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.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister — veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad also condoled the death of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.
“It’s very sad & shocking to hear about the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other Armed Forces personnel in the unfortunate helicopter accident today. It’s an irreparable loss to the country. I pray to Almighty that their souls may rest in peace,” Azad said in a tweet.
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.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar also expressed grief at the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat.
The 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.”