New Delhi, India (BBN)-India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday condoled the demise of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War veteran Lieutenant General (retired) JFR Jacob and praised him for his ‘impeccable service to the nation’.
The Prime Minister took to Twitter to express his condolences, “Lt Gen JFR Jacob & I interacted often, reports the Siasat Daily.
Had a memorable interaction when he presented his autobiography to me”.
“RIP Lt Gen JFR Jacob. India will always remain grateful to him for his impeccable service to the nation at the most crucial moments,” he said in another tweet.
Expressing her grief, Sonia Gandhi described the war veteran as ‘brave son of India’ and said he has a special place in the war history of world.
“Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi has expressed her condolences on the demise of Lt. General J F R Jacob. A brave son of India, his role in the Bangladesh liberation war as Chief of Eastern command has a special place in the war history of world,” the INC official twitter handle quoted Gandhi as saying.
“The country stands proud of his life, work and service to the nation as a soldier and patriot, Smt. Gandhi said,” the INC twitter handle added.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar recalled Lieutenant General (retired) Jacob’s stint as Governor of Goa and lauded him for his service to the nation.
“Deeply saddened to hear of Lt Gen JFR Jacob’s demise. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I will always cherish the memories of working with Lt Gen JFR Jacob during his stint as Governor of Goa. May his soul rest in peace,” he said in series of tweets.
Lt. Gen. Jacob breathed his last this morning in the national capital after prolonged illness.
He was 92-years-old.
Born in the Bengal Presidency under British India, Lt. Gen. Jacob joined the army at the age of 19 and also fought in World War II and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 before he retired in 1978.
He was best known for his role in India’s victory in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 and the liberation of Bangladesh.
He also authored the book ‘Surrender at Dacca’ in which he explained the surrender of 90,000 Pakistani troops in 1971.
Post retirement, he also served as the Governor of Goa and Punjab.
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