New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Indian National Army (INA) veteran Lalti Ram and said his courage and contribution to India’s freedom struggle will never be forgotten.

“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,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 9, 2021

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 Subhash Chandra Bose,” Shah tweeted.

ललती राम जी को सदैव अपनी देशसेवा और समर्पण के लिए याद किया जाएगा। नेताजी सुभाष चंद्र बोस के साथ INA के एक मजबूत स्तंभ के रूप में उन्होंने भारत की स्वतंत्रता के लिए लड़ाई लड़ी। उनका जीवनसंघर्ष हमें सदैव प्रेरणा देता रहेगा। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को सद्गति प्रदान करें। ॐ शांति शांति

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 9, 2021

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

The Late INA veteran, who passed away at the age of 98 on Sunday morning, was part of the artillery of the INA and had worked very closely with Netaji Subash Chandra Bose.

In 2019, he was honoured by the Indian government for his contribution towards the freedom struggle of the country.