Add Your Photos and Video to This Story

India's best known soldier dies

by Sanjay Jha | June 27, 2008 at 06:00 am | 125 views | 1 comment

One of best icon of Indian defence forces Sam Manekshaw had died after a prolong illness. He led Indian army in most significant wars including vitory over Pakistan in 1971.

The Indian general who commanded the military campaign that led to the creation of Bangladesh has died at the age of 94.
Sam Manekshaw, whose career spanned four decades, was one of India's best known and well-respected soldiers.
Under the British, he was decorated for gallantry in World War II for his part fighting the Japanese army in Burma.
After India gained independence, he became chief of the army in 1969 and in 1973 was made field marshal.
'The brave'
Under his command, India went to war with Pakistan in 1971, supporting Bengali nationalists in what was then East Pakistan.
Pakistan surrendered within 14 days and Bangladesh was born.
In 1973, only a fortnight before he retired, he was promoted to the rank of field marshal, one of only two Indian army generals to rise to the post.