Siachen braveheart Lance Naik Hanamanthappa: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, citizens pay tribute to soldier

The body of Siachen braveheart Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad arrived at Hubli in Karnataka on Friday where citizens have begun paying their respects to him, before his remains are taken to his village in Dharwad for last rites.

The district administration made preparations for people to pay their final respects to Koppad at the Nehru Stadium in Hubli and later at Betadur Government High School after 11.30 am. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will also be present for the last rites of Koppad at his village in Betadur, in Dharwar. He was present at the Hubli airport when the soldier's body arrived. "Its a great loss to the country and I condole the role of Mr Hanamanthappa," said Siddaramaiah after paying his tribute to the martyr. 

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah pays tribute to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa at Hubli Airport (Karnataka) pic.twitter.com/kaEinGBFjm

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 11, 2016

People began paying tributes to the brave soldier.

People pay last respects to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in Hubli pic.twitter.com/8CiDnxvMP6

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 11, 2016

People pay their last respects to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa at Nehru stadium in Hubli (Karnataka). pic.twitter.com/Alk6d8iwUe

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2016

Hanamanthappa, who was miraculously found alive after remaining buried under huge mass of snow for six days at the Siachen Glacier, passed away at Army's Research and Referral Hospital at 11.45 a.m. on Thursday.

After the demise of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who passed away at Army's Research and Referral Hospital here this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was proud that martyrs like the Siachen braveheart served India. "He leaves us sad and devastated. RIP Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. The soldier in you remains immortal. Proud that martyrs like you served India," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.