Vice President M. Hamid Ansari on Thursday condoled the passing away of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad who died at a hospital here after battling for his life for two days.
He had been dug out alive after being buried under the ice for six days in the Siachen glacier.
"I am extremely saddened to learn of the demise of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad... a survivor of the mishap at Siachen, he had come to symbolise the grit, determination and the indomitable spirit of the Indian armed forces," Ansari said.
"I join the nation in praying for eternal rest for the departed soul and in offering solace and fortitude to the members of the bereaved family," he added.
