Siachen Survivor Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad dies

Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who was rescued alive under 35 feet snow six days after he and 9 other jawans got trapped under the avalanche in Siachen, finally breathed his last at the Army Research And Referral Hospital in New Delhi today.

Hanamanthappa, who was rescued in a critical condition, had slipped into coma. He had pneumonia in his lungs and suffered from kidney dysfunction too. His organs stopped working since last night while he continued to be on ventilator.

The doctors tried their best, but could not revive him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited him at the hospital day before yesterday. Nine other soldiers were killed during that avalanche in Siachen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa. “He leaves us sad and devastated. RIP Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. The soldier in you remains immortal. Proud that martyrs like you served India”, the Prime Minister said.