Lt. Gen. K.C. Panchanathan, the General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s 101 Area, succumbed to a heart attack on Tuesday night, defence officials said on Wednesday.
A defence official said Panchanathan (57) complained about chest pain on Tuesday evening and was rushed to North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Mawdiangdiang.
Doctors at NEIGRIHMS declared Panchanathan dead at around 830 pm. He was from the Madras Engineering Group (Madras Sappers).
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma tweeted: “The very jovial and energetic Lt Gen K C Panchanathan, GOC 101 Area left for his heavenly abode last night. Deeply saddened by his untimely demise. He would often visit me with suggestions on how @easterncomd can strengthen their relationship with the people of the NE.”
Describing Panchanathan as versatile officer, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted, “Deeply grieved at the demise of Indian Army’s 101 Area General Officer Commanding Lt Gen KC Panchanathan ji. A versatile officer, Lt Gen Panchanathan ji discharged various key responsibilities during his service. Condolences to the bereaved family.”
