The Governors, Chief Ministers and other prominent personalities of Haryana, Himachal and Punjab on Wednesday expressed grief over the untimely death of Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other officers of Armed Forces in a tragic helicopter crash accident at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.
Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that the untimely demise of Chief of Defense Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other officers is an irreparable loss to our armed forces and the nation.
He expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the peace of the departed souls.
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi also expressed deep sorrow at the unfortunate incident. “My deepest condolences over the sudden demise of Chief of Defense Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others armed forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate & tragic crash near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts and prayers are with the family (sic),” Channi tweeted. Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said their prayers are with the departed souls.
Himachal Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur have also expressed deep grief over the incident. In his condolence message, the Governor said that Gen. Bipin Rawat contributed immensely for the security of the nation and modernising the Indian Armed Forces. His demise was a great loss to the nation, the Governor said.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the nation has lost a decorated officer and top commander of the Indian army, who has made the country proud on several occasions.
He said that the country would always remember the services provided by Gen. Rawat.
The Governor and Chief Minister also prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.