According to Kalam’s family sources, the body would be taken to Rameswaram mosque by 9 am
Kalam's elder brother Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraicker breaks down on seeing his body. (Photo: DC)
RAMESWARAM: Emotions ran high as local residents fighting tears screamed “Long live Abdul Kalam,” when the mortal remains of former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was flown to the Mandapam camp by 2.10 pm.
The body of Kalam draped in Tricolor reached Rameswaram by 3.40 in a defence vehicle. Urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu, defence minister Manohar Parrikar and Union Minister Pon. Radhakrishnan accompanied the decorated casket.
Venkiah Naidu told reporters that public can pay their last respects to the former President till 8 pm and later the body would be handed over to Kalam’s family who would take it to their ancestral house at Pallivasal Street.
According to Kalam’s family sources, the body would be taken to Rameswaram mosque by 9 am on Thursday. After a prayer for the departed soul, the body will be taken to Peikarumbu for burial.
DMK leader M.K. Stalin who arrived early after paying homage requested the state to convert the burial site in to a memorial. DMDK leader Vijayakanth, MDMK leader Vaiko also paid their respects. The TNCC president E.V.K.S. Elangovan said that the party Vice President Rahul Gandhi would participate in the funeral. TMC leader G.K. Vasan demanded the State and the Centre to include Dr Kalam as a syllabus in school books.
Earlier in the day, Governor K. Rosaiah and chief secretary K. Gnanadesikan received the body of Dr Kalam at the Madurai airport and paid their respects. The body was then taken to Rameswaram by a helicopter.
State ministers O. Paneerselvam, Natham R. Viswanathan, Edapaddi Palanisamy and R. Vaithilingam reviewed the arrangements taken by the district administration and the local municipality.
Around 1,000 police have been deployed in Peikarumbu where the last rites will be performed, while 1,500 personnel are managing the situation in and around Rameswaram.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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