Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday expressed condolences on the death of Lt. Gen. J.F.R. Jacob (retd) who played a key role in the 1971 Bangaldesh Liberation War, saying "the country stands proud of his life".
"A brave son of India, his role in the Bangladesh Liberation War as chief of staff of the Eastern command has a special place in the history of the world. The country stands proud of his life, work and service to the nation as a soldier and patriot," Gandhi said in her message.
The 93-year-old passed away around 8.30 a.m. at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) due to pneumonia, a hospital official said. He was admitted to the hospital on January 1.
Jacob as Major General then was the chief of staff of the Indian Army's Eastern Command during the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to Pakistan's eastern wing seceding and becoming an independent Bangladesh.
Jacob also served as the governor of Goa and Punjab.