Rest In Peace Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad

Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, the only man to pass the test of an avalanche in Siachen, loses battle with death.

Indian Army jawan Hanamanthappa Koppad passed away in the Army Research and Referral hospital in Delhi at 11:45 am on Thursday, 11 February. Wreath of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Naik has been laid at Brar Square in Delhi.

The 33-year-old, 19th Battalion of Madras Regiment was declared comatose on Wednesday and had slipped into a deeper coma on Thursday before passing away. Koppad’s family has been in Delhi since Tuesday night.

Also read: Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Passes Away After a Tough Battle

My heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad #PresidentMukherjee

— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) February 11, 2016

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

I salute #SiachenBravehearts, who sacrifices their lives for our mother land.
RIP Lance Naik #Hanumanthappa pic.twitter.com/REvafOoL4F

— sudarsan pattnaik (@sudarsansand) February 11, 2016

Koppad had survived an avalanche that a camp of ten Armymen in Siachen on 3 February. While nine of them were found dead, Koppad had managed to defy nature’s wrath and stay alive under more than 25 feet thick layer of ice for six days.

Also read: Siachen Glacier: Always a Self-Esteem Test for Indian Warriors​​

Two year old daughter of brave-heart Lance Naik #Hanumanthappa - Netra at the funeral of his father. Hero of India! pic.twitter.com/NtphGOFU3T

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) February 11, 2016

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi paid respect to Koppad in Delhi. He will be taken to his hometown in Betadur town of Dharwad region in Karnataka on Friday. The bodies of the nine others will be sent to their respective homes.

Also read: In Pictures: Martyrs of Siachen, Rest In Peace

Country Mourns Koppad’s Death

The nation shall always remember Lance Naik Hanumanthappa for his bravery and indomitable spirit #PresidentMukherjee

— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) February 11, 2016

Condolences to family of L/Nk Hanumanthappa on his passing away. The Nation salutes him.

— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) February 11, 2016

We are proud of soldiers like Lance Naik Hanumanthappa who serve the country in extremely adverse conditions. I salute him for his sacrifice

— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) February 11, 2016

Deeply saddened by the death of Shri Lance Naik #Hanumanthappa today. A brave heart, he braved the harsh Siachen for long.

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) February 11, 2016

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

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

Terrible news. The Brave Hero Lance Naik Hanumanthappa passes away. Rest in peace super soldier. The Nation salutes you for your valor.

— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) February 11, 2016