LS pays homage to Manekshaw, condemns terror attack at Kabul

New Delhi, Jul 21 (UNI) The Lok Sabha today paid homage to Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, stating that in the death of the 1971 war hero the country had lost a great soldier, a rare military genius, a patriot and a hero who inspired a generation of Indians.

During the Indo-Pak war in 1971, Field Marshal Manekshaw as the Chief of Army Staff led the Indian forces to victory with his superior war strategy, uncanny military sagacity and motivational presence, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said in his obituary reference.

This resulted in the mass surrender of Pakistani troops in erstwhile East Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh. Gen Manekshaw was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 1972 and was conferred with the rank of Field Marshal for his brilliant leadership and skills.

Field Marshal Manekshaw displayed his innate leadership qualities and aptly used his battle skills in the Jammu and Kashmir operations during 1947-48, He later became the Colonel of 8 Gorkha Rifles and 61 Cavalry.

During his stint as the GOC, Eastern Command he successfully handled the situation in Nagaland and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his contribution.

The House also strongly condemned the attacks of naxalites and terrorists and resolved resolutely to combat their evil designs. The condemnation followed the July 7 terror attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul, the June 29 Naxalite assault in Orissa which resulted in the death of at least 30 security personnel from Andhra Pradesh and Orissa and the July 19 attack by Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, killing 10 soldiers.

Further, the House mourned the death of its former members: Mohammad Maqbool Dar, Chiman Bhai Shukla, Gopeshwar, Ram Prakash Tripathi and G M Banatwalla.

Members stood up and observed silence for some time as a mark of respect.

UNI SN RP GC1255