Hill veteran passes away

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, Darjeeling: Major (retd) K.P. Malla, one of Darjeeling's well known social workers, passed away at a nursing home in Siliguri at 1.30am on Sunday.

Malla, 89, had joined the British Army in 1948 and retired from services in 1976. Soon, he got involved with social work.

Malla also served as the secretary of Indian Red Cross Society and was involved in numerous blood donation camps. His work sphere also included environment and other social issues.

The army officer had contributed to local journals and authored four books.

"He took ill about 8-10 days ago with bronchitis," said his son, Bishnu.

Malla received numerous awards during his lifetime, including the Banga Ratan conferred on him by the Bengal government this year.

Binay Tamang, the president of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. The Gorkha National Liberation Front held a prayer service in memory of Malla before the start of their meeting in Kalimpong on Sunday.

GNLF president Mann Ghisingh also sent a condolence message to the Malla family.

Bishnu said the funeral would take place at 12.30pm on Monday in Darjeeling.

The mortal remains will be brought to the Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan Hall ground here for half an hour to allow the public to pay their last respects on Monday..