New Delhi. 30 January, 2016. General KV Krishna Rao, the 14th Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army passed away today in Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi Cantt. Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS has expressed his deep condolences on the demise of former Army Chief Gen KV Krishna Rao.
General KV Krishna Rao had an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the Indian Army. He was commissioned into the Army on 9 August 1942. As a young Officer, he had served in Burma, North West Frontier and Baluchistan during the Second World War. During the extensive Punjab disturbances in 1947, he served both in East and West Punjab. He had 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.
The General had varied staff, instructional and command experiences in the Army. General Krishna Rao had commanded a Brigade in the forward area of Ladakh during 1965-66, an Infantry Division in the Jammu Region during 1969-70 and a Mountain Division engaged in Counter Insurgency Operations in Nagaland and Manipur during 1970-72. During this period his Division also participated in the 1971 India Pakistan War in Eastern Theatre and was instrumental in capture of the Sylhet Area and liberation of North East Bangladesh. He was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal for displaying outstanding leadership, courage, determination and drive during this War. General Krishna Rao commanded a Corps in the Jammu Region from 1974-78. In addition, during 1975-76, he was also the Chairman of the Expert Committee constituted by the Government on Re-organisation and Modernisation for future defence of the country. Later, he served as Deputy Chief of Army Staff at Army Headquarters during 1978-79. Subsequently he was promoted and served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command during 1979-81.
General Krishna Rao was appointed as Chief of Army Staff on 01 June 1981 and served in that capacity till July 1983. He was also Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the highest appointment in the Services, during March 1982 to July 1983. From June 1984 to July 1989, General Krishna Rao was the Governor of the North Eastern States of Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura. He was also the Governor of Mizoram in June 1988 and March to July 1989. Later, General Krishna Rao was appointed as the the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during 1989-90. When a Proxy War developed in Jammu and Kashmir and reached its peak, he was reappointed as Governor and served there from March 1993 to May 1998. In this capacity, he was instrumental in restoring peace and democracy in the insurgency-ridden State.
He was Colonel of the Mahar Regiment during 1968-83. General Krishna Rao was conferred the Honorary Doctorate of D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) by the Andhra University, Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by Sri Venkateswara University and Doctor of Letters (D. Litt.) (Honoris Causa) by the Telugu University.
