Brig R D Mehta's death mourned

Shimla, Jul 16 (UNI) A condolence meeting was held here today to mourn the death of Defence Attache Brigadier R D Mehta who was killed in a suicide blast near the Indian embassy in Kabul on July 7.

Four Indians were among 41 people killed in the suicide blast.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal attended the condolence meeting ''Dharam Shanti'' and took part in the prayers organized by the family of Brig Mehta at the Arya Samaj temple here.

In his address, Prof. Dhumal lauded the contribution of Brig R D Mehta who, he said, made a sacrifice for the cause of the nation which would be remembered for years to come.

He said that people would remember Brig Mehta, who hailed from Himachal Pradesh, for the outstanding courage he had shown while discharging his duty in the Indian Embassy at Kabul.

Prof Dhumal shared the grief of the bereaved family and offered his heartfelt condolences to them on his behalf and on behalf of the state government. He assured the family that people of entire Himachal Pradesh shared their grief.

The Chief Minister handed over a draft of Rs three lakh as ex-gratia money to the next of kin of Brig R D Mehta and assured all possible help from the state government.

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