Two-time JK Governor and former Army Chief, KotikalapudiVenkata Krishna Rao, better known as K V Krishna Rao, died on Saturday. He was 92.

The JK government has announced three-day mourning beginning January 31. During this period, the national and state flags will fly half-mast and no official entertainment function will be held, an official spokesman said.

Rao was the 14th Chief of the Army Staff and had an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the force. He retired in 1983.

He was commissioned into the Army on August 9, 1942. As a young officer, he served in Burma, North West Frontier and Baluchistan during the Second World War.

During extensive Punjab disturbances in the run up to partition in 1947, he served both in East and West Punjab. He also participated in the 1947-48 war against Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. He was a founder Instructor of the National Defence Academy during 1949-51. 

He was awarded the ParamVishistSeva Medal for displaying outstanding leadership, courage, determination and drive during this war.

General Rao was the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during 1989-90.

When armed struggle started in Jammu and Kashmir and reached its peak, he was reappointed as JK Governor and served from March 12, 1993 to May 1, 1998.

CONDOLENCES:

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra, National Conference leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad have condoled the death.

Vohra in his condolence message has conveyed his sympathies to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has condoled the passing away of Rao. Recalling his exemplary services to the nation, Azad said that Gen Rao’s contribution as former Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and former Army Chief will be remembered for years to come.

Azad said that Gen Rao was an outstanding military leader who met all the challenges and external threats that the nation faced during his service career with courage, fortitude and devotion.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and Member Parliament, Mehbooba Mufti, expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise. Mehbooba has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul. National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Working President Omar Abdullah have expressed deep grief over the passing away of General K. V Krishna Rao.

In their separate messages, Dr Abdullah and Omar Abdullah conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Provincial President National Conference Jammu, Devender Singh Rana, and senior party leaders have also condoled the demise of General Rao and prayed for peace to the departed soul.(Agencies)