{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Major Vijay Singh Mankotia Cremated With Full Military Honours As Crowds Gather In Tiara",
  "summary": "Former minister Major Vijay Singh Mankotia was cremated with full military honours in Kangra's Tiara village after his son arrived from the United States to perform the last rites.",
  "content": "Veteran Himachal Pradesh politician and decorated former army officer Major Vijay Singh Mankotia was consigned to the flames with full military honours on Wednesday in his ancestral village of Tiara. The funeral procession commenced from his family mansion in Kangra district's Shahpur area, drawing thousands of mourners as brass bands accompanied the cortege to bid a solemn farewell to the leader, who passed away at the age of 87.\n\nSon Arrives From Overseas for Final Rites\nThe final rites were performed following the arrival of his son, Suryaveer Singh, and daughter, Sanyukta Kumari, both of whom travelled from the United States after receiving news of their father's demise. Suryaveer Singh lit the funeral pyre amid poignant scenes witnessed by a massive gathering of villagers, admirers, and local dignitaries. Major Mankotia is survived by his wife, Jaishree Kumari, whose maternal family hails from Kota Kunadi in Rajasthan.\n\n \n\nSudden Cardiac Episode on Tuesday Morning\nRecounting the sequence of events, his brother Abhay Singh Mankotia stated that the senior leader appeared completely hale and hearty earlier that morning, having bathed, dressed, and begun preparations for a scheduled meeting. However, at approximately eight-forty on Tuesday morning, he experienced sudden physical distress and requested to lie down. As his vital signs began dropping, attending doctors advised shifting him immediately to a hospital, but he suffered fatal cardiac failure en route.\n\nDistinguished Military Service and Education\nBorn on November 23, 1939, in Tiara, Major Mankotia received his foundational schooling between 1948 and 1954 at Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, followed by studies at The Doon School in Dehradun. In 1960, he joined the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, eventually passing out with distinction by clinching both the prestigious 'Sword of Honour' and a gold medal. His military career saw active combat participation across three major conflicts: the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971.\n\nLegislative Career and Links to the Gandhi Family\nTransitioning from the battlefield to public life, Mankotia contested as an independent candidate from Shahpur in 1982 and emerged victorious. Across his public career, he served as a five-term legislator and held ministerial portfolios twice under the Virbhadra Singh administration. Veteran journalist Sanjeev Sharma noted that Major Mankotia shared a close personal bond with Rajiv Gandhi, and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi treated him like a third son, welcoming him into the Prime Minister's residence without restriction. It was on her personal encouragement that he initially entered politics. Later in his political trajectory, he gained widespread prominence across the state during the 2007 audio CD controversy.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe passing of Major Vijay Singh Mankotia marks the end of an influential chapter in the political and military landscape of northern India.\n\n• Across India: The nation pays homage to a decorated war veteran who actively served during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 military campaigns. His journey stands as an enduring reference point of disciplined service transitioning from armed conflict to public governance.\n• In Himachal Pradesh: The Kangra and Shahpur regions lose a five-term legislator whose decades of political service helped shape local development. His absence leaves a void in the state's political arena, where he was known for his independent and vocal stances.\n• For the Veteran Fraternity: The demise of an IMA Gold Medal and 'Sword of Honour' recipient removes a respected figure among ex-servicemen. His military record remains a source of pride for regiments and academies alike.\n• For Local Residents: The community in Tiara bids farewell to a long-standing regional leader and patron. The massive public turnout at his funeral reflects his sustained grassroots connection across the constituency.\n\nWhy this happened\nMajor Vijay Singh Mankotia passed away at the age of 87 following a sudden and fatal cardiac arrest on Tuesday morning.\n\n• Immediate Cause: He experienced acute physical unease at approximately 8:40 AM, which rapidly worsened into cardiac failure. Despite medical personnel being summoned immediately, he died while being rushed to a hospital.\n• Pre-Existing Condition: Family members noted that he was fully fit, had no known lingering ailments, and was actively preparing for an upcoming meeting after bathing. The event unfolded suddenly without prior warning signs.\n• Subsequent Procedures: The last rites were deferred until Wednesday to allow his son and daughter sufficient time to travel from the United States to Kangra.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Who was Major Vijay Singh Mankotia?\nHe was a five-term MLA from Shahpur in Kangra, a two-time Himachal cabinet minister, and an army veteran who fought in the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars.\n\n2. Where and how were his final rites conducted?\nHis last rites were performed with full military honours and ceremonial brass bands in his native village of Tiara.\n\n3. Who performed the cremation rites?\nHis son, Suryaveer Singh, arrived from the United States to light the funeral pyre.\n\n4. What caused his death?\nHe passed away at the age of 87 due to sudden cardiac failure while being transported to the hospital on Tuesday morning.\n\n5. What honours did he receive during his military training?\nAt the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, he was awarded the prestigious 'Sword of Honour' alongside a gold medal.\n\n6. What was his connection to Indira Gandhi?\nHe was a close friend of Rajiv Gandhi, and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi treated him like a third son, inspiring his entry into politics.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/sainya-sammana-ke-satha-pnchatatva-men-vilina-hue-major-vijay-singh-mankotia-paitrika-ganva-tiara-men-umara-janasailaba-40404",
  "category": "Himachal Pradesh",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-30",
  "tags": [
    "Major Vijay Singh Mankotia",
    "Kangra",
    "Shahpur",
    "Himachal Pradesh",
    "Military Honours",
    "Virbhadra Singh",
    "Indira Gandhi"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}