Former Nagaland Governor KV Krishna Rao no more; Guv, CM condole

EMN Dimapur, January 30 Former Chief of Army Staff and former Governor of Nagaland, Gen. KV Krishna Rao passed away on Saturday at New Delhi. Governor P B acharya in his condolence message said he was deeply saddened to hear about the demise of General (Retd) K.V. Krishna Rao, PVSM, former Governor of Nagaland at New Delhi. “General K.V. Krishna Rao (Retd) PVSM served Nagaland as Governor along with the States of Manipur & Tripura from 1984 to 1989. He was also the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and Mizoram. We have lost a great soul who was the beacon of soldiering and iconic figure for not only for the Army and our nation,” Achaya’s message said. He participated in the first war against Pakistan in Jammu & Kashmir in 1947-48 and the founder instructor of the National Defence Academy. In 1970-72, he commanded a Mountain Division engaged in Counter Insurgency Operations in Nagaland and Manipur. During this period, his Division also participated in the 1971 war against Pakistan in the East and captured the Sylhet Area and liberated North East Bangladesh. His contributions towards the nation will be remembered for ever, the message added. “Please accept my condolences on the demise of your dear father. I pray Almighty that the departed soul may rest in peace and may God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time,” Acharya’s message added. Chief Minister TR Zeliang has also expressed sadness over learning of the the demise of the former Governor of the state. In a condolence message, Zeliang recalled Rao’s dedication and commitment to the nation in various capacities, and said the Nagas remember him as a Governor who was very clear on his role as a custodian of the Constitution as well as a fatherly figure whose advice and suggestions to the state government were most valuable. “Though a strict disciplinarian, he was always accessible to the people of the state and never hesitated to speak out his mind on matters of public interest. The people of Nagaland fondly remember his outstanding leadership, courage, dedication and determination in the service of the nation,” the Chief Minister stated. “I, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Nagaland, extend my deepest condolences to his family and pray that the Almighty will grant them comfort at this hour of grief,” he added.