Arshad Farooq
Srinagar, Dec 9: Two senior officers from the Kashmir’s security grid—General officer Commanding of Srinagar-based army’s 15 Corps Lieutenant General D P Pandey and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar Thursday paid rich tributes to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other senior army officers who died in chopper crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.
The two officers, reached famous Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) at Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar to pay tributes to CDS, his wife and 11 other army officers, who died in a chopper crash at Tamil Nadu.
Talking to reporters, Lt Gen Pandey said that the death of CDS was a big loss, rather a national loss as evident by the fact that entire country is in a state of shock and mourning. “Condolences are pouring in from across the world. This shows the how popular General Rawat was,” GoC Pandey said and paid rich tributes to CDS, his wife and other 11 army officers. He said that General Rawat had a great connect with the people of Kashmir especially those in Baramulla where he had served as sector commander. “He would often tell me over phone to get the issues of people who would reach him though phones and wats app etc from Kashmir, redressed,” the GoC said.
Speaking on the occasion, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that General Rawat was a role model for him. “I met him when I was SSP Kupwara and after that I met him in so many informal meetings. He would often guide me and discuss things in a positive manner. His death is a big jolt for entire security grid. We will follow his foot-steps and fulfil his dream,” the IGP said.
Earlier, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar- based 15 Corps Lieutenant General DP Pandey said that Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat was deeply connected with the people of Baramulla district of Kashmir and that it would take time to come of the shock General Rawat’s death has given to the armed forces.
Talking to reporters on the side-lines of a tribute paying event at Baramulla, Lt General Pandey said that the CDS was deeply connected with the people of Uri and Baramulla and Kashmir in particular.
“The CDS would often direct me to address the grievances and issues of the people of Kashmir who used to talk to him over the phone,” GoC Pandey said. “General Rawat’s tenure in Baramulla was very special for him especially due to the people’s love and cooperation with him.”
“It will take time to come out of the shock General Rawat’s tragic death has given us,” GoC Pandey said.
