The funeral procession of former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral has begun from his official residence at Janpath in New Delhi. Our correspondent reports, the procession is on its way to Smirti Sthal, where Gujral will be cremated with full state honours at 3 PM. Relatives, friends and followers of the leader are accompanying the procession led by florally decorated wagon carrying Gujral's body. 92 year Old Gujral had died yesterday, at a hospital in gurgoan following prolonged illness.
Gujral's body is kept for the public to pay last respects at his residence in Janpath. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi, Union Ministers A K Antony, Anand Sharma and Farooq Abdullah, Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, BJP leader Ananth Kumar and LJP Chief Ramvilas Paswan were among those who visited the residence and offered floral tributes to the departed leader. Our correspondent reports a large number of people are visting the residence of the Former Prime Minister to bid a final farewell to the wellknown statesman and politician.
The Government has declared a seven-day national mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader. The national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India during the mourning period. I.K Gujral passed away after prolonged illness. He was 92. The President, Vice President, Prime Minister, the UPA Chairperson and other senior political leaders have condoled the demise of Gujral.
Expressing deep shock at the sad news, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, described Mr. Gujral as a true friend of angladesh. She recalled the important role Gujral played in the signing of the Ganges treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Condoling the death, Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf said, Gujral had played an admirable role for bringing the two countries closer. In a message to his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, Ashraf described Gujral as a man of extraordinary abilities and a visionary leader. He said the region has lost a noble and distinguished politician.
