INA veteran Lalti Ram passes away at 100; PM, President express grief

NEW DELHI: Freedom fighter and veteran of the erstwhile Indian National Army (INA) Lalti Ram passed away on Sunday, according to a Haryana government statement. He was 100.

Lalti Ram’s last rites were performed at his native village Dubaldhan in Haryana’s Jhajjar district with full state honours in the presence of officers from the administration, the statement issued here said.

“Lalti Ram, who was 100 years old and a respected freedom fighter, breathed his last on Sunday,” it said. Condoling the freedom fighter’s death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Saddened by the demise of INA veteran Lalti Ram Ji. His courage and contributions to India’s freedom struggle will never be forgotten. I recall my interactions with him. Greats like him have left an indelible mark on India’s history.”

President Ram Nath Kovind too expressed grief over his demise, and said his passing away marked the end of a “great life-story devoted to the cause of India’s freedom”.

“The demise of INA veteran Lalti Ram Ji marks the end of a great life story devoted to the cause of India’s freedom. His saga shall inspire every Indian. My salutations to the great personality who will live forever in our memories. My condolences to his family and admirers,” the official account of Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled his demise and tweeted: “Lalati Ram ji will always be remembered for his service and dedication. He fought for India’s independence as a strong pillar of the INA along with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose,” Shah tweeted.

“His life struggle will always inspire us. May God grant salvation to the departed soul. Om Shanti Shanti!,” he added.

The Late INA veteran was part of the artillery of the INA and had worked very closely with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. In 2019, he was honoured by the Indian government for his contribution towards the freedom struggle of the country.