The Indian general who commanded the military campaign that led to the creation of Bangladesh has died at the age of 94.
Sam Manekshaw, whose career spanned four decades, was one of India's best known and well-respected soldiers.
Under the British, he was decorated for gallantry in World War II for his part fighting the Japanese army in Burma.
After India gained independence, he became chief of the army in 1969 and in 1973 was made field marshal.
Under his command, India went to war with Pakistan in 1971, supporting India-Pakistan in new peace talks ...
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Pakistan surrendered within 14 days and Bangladesh was born.
In 1973, only a fortnight before he retired, he was promoted to the rank of field marshal, one of only two Indian army generals to rise to the post.
Also known as "Sam Bahadur" or "Sam the Brave", he was handsome and witty - capturing the public imagination.
Tributes have been pouring into the websites of Indian newspapers, calling him "a great soldier and a very thorough gentleman".
Sam Manekshaw, who had been battling a series of illnesses, died at a military hospital in Wellington in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where he had lived since retiring.
Indian Defence Minister AK Antony said the nation "had lost a great soldier, a true patriot and a noble son".
(BBC)
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