Citizens to pay homage to Siachen braveheart in Hubli

The body of Siachen braveheart Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad will arrive at Hubli in Karnataka today where citizens will pay their respects to him, before his remains are taken to his village in Dharwad for last rites.

The district administration has made preparations for people to pay their final respects to Koppad at the Nehru Stadium in Hubli and later at Betadur Government High School after 11.30 am.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will also be present for the last rites of Koppad at his village in Betadur, in Dharwar.

Hanamanthappa, who was miraculously found alive after remaining buried under huge mass of snow for six days at the Siachen Glacier, passed away at Army's Research and Referral Hospital at 11.45 a.m. on Thursday.

Devastated with the demise of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who passed away at Army's Research and Referral Hospital here this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was proud that martyrs like the Siachen braveheart served India.

"He leaves us sad and devastated. RIP Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. The soldier in you remains immortal. Proud that martyrs like you served India," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.