The ‘people’s general’

General Rawat used to attend calls from everyone in Baramulla, J&K and listen to their requirements

NT Correspondent

Srinagar: India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat had a very close connection with the people of Kashmir, the Chief of Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said on Thursday.

Rawat was among the 13 people killed in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. He had earlier served in north Kashmir’s Baramulla as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Baramulla-based Dagger Division or the Indian Army’s 19th Infantry Division.

GOC of Srinagar based 15 Corps (Chinar Corps), Lt Gen D P Pandey on Thursday attended a ceremony which was organised in Baramulla by the Army to pay homage to the top general.

The GOC of Dagger Division, Maj Gen Ajay Chandpuria, and other people from the civil and administration were also present.

“I do not think I have seen the amount of love and connection which he had with the people of Uri and Baramulla and with the people of whole Kashmir,” Pandey told reporters in Baramulla. “If you see the DP(display picture), especially the media personnel, I think everyone has a picture with him.”

He added that General Rawat used to attend calls from everyone from Baramulla and listen to their requirements. “Then he would call me and ask me to listen to their demand and help them,” said Pandey, adding that people of Baramulla have lost more than anyone else.

Pandey also visited the battalion where General Rawat was company commander in the beginning. “I really wanted to come here to Baramulla where he was a GoC. Though he was also the commander of 5 Sector (Rashtriya Rifles ). But, these two tenures were close to his heart especially because of the people,” said the top commander. “I am sure you all must be feeling the loss, same as the Indian Army, Armed Forces and the whole country is feeling.”

In Kashmir valley, a number of Jammu and Kashmir Police officers too have condoled his death. Imtiyaz Hussain, a senior J&K Police officer, said: “Rawat was a gentleman officer and a courageous commander with mettle.” “Fond memories of him leading from the front and we would often see him at forefront with joint teams of SFs in counter terror ops.Nation owes you the gratitude for your selfless service. RIP sir.,” Hussain tweeted.

A Srinagar-based defence spokesman on Thursday evening said people at a number of places paid tributes to Rawat.

“People of Macchal near Line Of Control in Kashmir pay tributes to Gen & Mrs. Bipin Rawat & 11 other martyrs & also take out a candle light march,” the spokesman said. “The congregation kept 2 minutes of silence for the departed souls and prayed to the Almighty to grant them eternal peace.”