Koppad fought till the last: Sonia

Congress president Sonia Gandhi expressed shock and grief at the death on Thursday of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, noting he had fought till the last.

"I express deep shock and profound grief the death of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. During his life, the braveheart son of India united the entire nation in praying for him and has every citizen grieving for him today. He fought till his last displaying utmost valour, courage and determination, which is the hallmark of our armed forces," she said in a statement.

Gandhi also extended her sympathies to Hanamanthappa's family and loved ones.

Koppad, who was rescued alive after being buried under snow for six days in the world's highest battlefield, the Siachen glacier, died of multi-organ failure at an army hospital here.