AGENCY
New Delhi: Former Army Chief General K.V Krishna Rao, who played a key role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, died here on Saturday at the Military Hospital following a cardiac arrest.
He was 92.
Rao also served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir at a time when militancy was at its peak in the State.
Rao was the 14th Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army and had an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the force.
He was commissioned into the Army on 9th August, 1942. As a young officer, he had served in Burma, North West Frontier and Baluchistan during the Second World War.
During extensive Punjab disturbances in the run up to the partition in 1947, he served both in East and West Punjab. He also participated in the 1947-48 war against Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. He was a founder Instructor of the National Defence Academy during 1949-51.
Rao had commanded a brigade in the forward area of Ladakh during 1965-66, an infantry division in Jammu region during 1969-70 and a Mountain Division engaged in counter insurgency operations in Nagaland and Manipur during 1970-72.
During this period, his Division also participated in the 1971 India-Pakistan War in Eastern Theatre and was instrumental in the capture of Sylhet area and liberation of North-East Bangladesh, an army statement said.
He was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal for displaying outstanding leadership, courage, determination and drive during this war.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar condoled his death and said “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 the Indian Army in the early 1980s.”
Rao’s contribution in the 1971 War and maintaining the unity and integrity of the country shall always be remembered, he said.
Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag also condoled the demise of Krishna Rao.
During 1975-76, he was also the Chairman of the Expert Committee constituted by the government on re-organisation and modernisation for future defence of the country.
He served as Deputy Chief of Army Staff at Army Headquarters during 1978-79. Subsequently, he was promoted and served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command during 1979-81.
Rao was appointed as Chief of Army Staff on 1st June, 1981 and served in that capacity till July 1983. He was also the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the highest appointment in the Services, during March 1982 to July 1983.
From June 1984 to July 1989, Rao was the Governor of the North Eastern States of Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura. He was also the Governor of Mizoram in June 1988, and March to July 1989.
Rao was appointed as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during 1989-90.
“When a proxy war developed in Jammu and Kashmir and reached its peak, he was reappointed as Governor and served there from March 1993 to May 1998. In this capacity, he was instrumental in restoring peace and democracy in the insurgency-riven State,” the statement said.
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti today expressed grief over the death of former Army Chief General K.V Krishna Rao who also served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehbooba conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the peace of the departed soul, a PDP spokesman said in a statement.
Rao was the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir for the first time from 11th July, 1989 to 19th January, 1990 and the second time from 13th March, 1993 till 2nd May, 1998.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Saturday condoled the death of former Jammu and Kashmir Governor and Army Chief General K.V Krishna Rao.
“Very sorry to hear about his passing. He oversaw the end of central rule and the resumption of elected governments”, Omar wrote on Twitter.
“Something that recent political formations and alliances are determined to undo. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Rao governed the State under Governor’s Rule and ensured successful parliamentary and Assembly elections in the State in 1996.
3-DAY MOURNING DECLARED
n STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: As a mark of respect to General K.V Krishna Rao, the former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, who passed away on Saturday, the State Government has decided that three days’ State mourning will be observed from 31st January, 2016. During the State mourning the National and State Flags shall fly at half mast on all buildings and places where they are flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment/function during the State mourning.
