Tributes paid to Sandeep and other martyred soldiers

The Legislative Assembly on Monday paid rich tributes to sepoy Sandeep Kumar of Hassan district and other soldiers who died in the avalanche at Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir last month.

Both the houses of the State legislature also paid tributes to minister H.S. Mahadeva Prasad, who died of heart attack, and former ministers Shankarnayak and Rajavardhan, who died recently.

While Speaker K.B. Koliwad moved an obituary motion in this regard, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hailed the sacrifice of soldiers including Sandeep Kumar.

Describing Mahadeva Prasad as a person who was very close to him, the Chief Minister said his death was a personal loss to him.

In the Council, Home Minister G. Parameshwara hailed Mahadeva Prasad as a noble politician, who had taken several tough and firm decisions as a minister.

Both the Houses observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect to the departed personalities.