New Delhi: Condolences over the demise of Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat poured in from several countries, including the US, Russia, and China.
Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and 11 other people on board an Indian Air Force helicopter died in a crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on December 8, the Air Force said.
The US Embassy extended its deepest condolences to the Rawat family and the families of those who perished in the crash.
“In September, he spent five days traveling throughout the US as part of a counterpart visit with General Mark Milley to discuss military developments and opportunities to enhance our cooperation with like-minded countries. His legacy will continue on,” the Embassy said.
Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong extended “deep condolences on the sad demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other victims in the helicopter crash”.
“Tragic news. Gen Rawat was a wise man, a brave soldier, a pioneer and a generous host to me only weeks ago. We mourn his death and that of his wife, and all killed in this terrible accident,” British High Commissioner Alex Ellis tweeted.
Russian Envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev said with deepest regret, he learnt about the sudden demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, Madhulika Rawat and other officers in the crash.
“Russia has lost a very close friend, who played a big role in the promotion of our bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership. Grieving together with India. Goodbye, friend! Farewell, commander!” he tweeted.
French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and several defense officials in a crash. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the Indian Armed Forces.”
“We will remember CDS Rawat as a great military leader and a supporter of Flag of France-India defense ties,” he said.
Pakistan Army’s spokesman in a short statement posted on Twitter said that Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa expressed condolences.
IAF orders inquiry in CDS chopper crash: Rajnath
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh extended his condolences to the families of those who died.
In his statement to Parliament, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered an inquiry into the chopper crash in Tamil Nadu.
The Defense Minister said that the probe will be headed by Air Marshal Manavendra Singh.
General Rawat’s last rites will be performed with full military honors, Rajnath told Parliament, adding that the last rites of other military personnel will be performed with appropriate honor.
The Lok Sabha also observed a two-minute silence on the demise of the 13 people in the December 8 crash of the M 17 helicopter.
Data recorder of crashed M 17 helicopter recovered
Chennai: The data recorder of the ill-fated M 17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force that crashed near Coonoor has been recovered.
A 25 special team of the Air force officers led by Wing Commander R Bhardwaj has recovered the black box and more details are awaited. The team has been conducting search operations since morning as the priority was to recover the bodies safely to Wellington Army hospital.
The black box can reveal the data about the helicopter’s final flight situation and other aspects.
Keywords: Chopper crash, Tamil Nadu, CDS Bipin Rawat, Indian Army, Rajnath Singh, IAF, Condolences, Black box
PIC: FARMER
CAP: The farmers had been protesting against the farm laws on various borders of Delhi since 2020 (Photo: Unsplash)
Farmers call off year-long stir as govt agrees to all demands
New Delhi: After intense negotiations initiated by the Union home ministry, the farmers protesting at the borders of the national capital have finally decided to end their year-long movement.
This comes in the wake of the Centre accepting all demands put forward by the protesting farmers, including the withdrawal of all agitation-related cases and compensation to the families of farmers who had died during the course of the movement against the contentious agriculture laws.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) – the umbrella body of farmers’ unions spearheading the protests – had said that their 14-month agitation will be called off at 12 pm on December 9, but only after they receive the final copy of the government’s revised proposal accepting their demands.
According to the protesting farmers, the government has also assured that it will table the Electricity Amendment Bill only after consultation with the SKM or relevant farmers’ unions.
Moreover, the Haryana and Uttar Pradesh state governments, along the lines of Punjab, have also agreed to provide a compensation of ₹5 lakh and a job to the kin of deceased farmers.
BOX
The following were the demands of the protesting farmers:
- Withdrawal of all the agitation-related cases registered during this protest in all states and Union territories.
- Compensation to all the families of the agitating farmers who died during the course of agitation.
- No criminal liability to farmers in the cases of stubble burning.
- The government has to discuss the Electricity Amendment Bill with the SKM.
- A committee to discuss minimum support price (MSP) is to be formed.
- The ongoing policy on MSP and its procurement in the country will continue as it is.
Keywords: Farmers’ protest, farm laws, farm laws repealed, Narendra Modi, BJP, SKM, farmer compensation, Home Ministry
