Different political, social and cultural organisations yesterday condoled the death of the Indian army legend Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, who oversaw the surrender of about 93,000 Pakistani troops in Dhaka on December 16 in 1971.

Aurora passed away due to heart failure in sleep at a private hospital in New Delhi on May 3 at the age of 89.

On the occasion of his sad demise, Indian High Commission will open a condolence book at House 2, Road 142 in Gulshan-1 and at Indian Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi from today.

Leaders of these organisations expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased recalling his unending sacrifice during the War of Liberation in Bangladesh and prayed for the salvation of the departed soul.

Leaders of Jatiya Samjtantrik Dal (JSD) led by JSD president Hasanul Huq Inu placed wreaths to a portrait of Aurora at the Indian High Commission and stood one-minute in silence. Later, they signed the condolence book.

JSD will organise a condolence meeting at Shaheed Colonel Taher Auditorium tomorrow.

Bangladesh Bharat Sampriti Parishad President KM Sobahan and General Secretary Professor Nim Chandra Bhaumik said the nation would always remember Aurora for his great contribution in our independence.

Jatiya Party (Monju) Chairman Anowar Hossain Monju MP and Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam expressed condolence at the death of Aurora recalling his vital role in the War of Liberation.

Bimol Biswas, co-ordinator of left leaning 11-Party, said Bangladeshi people will never forget Aurora as his name engages with our history.

Workers Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menan said Bangladesh lost a good friend at the death of Aurora.

Among other organisations, including War Crimes Facts Finding Committee, Bangladesh National Awa ini Party (Nap), Liberation War Museum and Bangladesh Chhatra Union condoled the death as well.

Gen. Aurora presided over the historic surrender by the Pakistani troops under Gen AAK Niazi in Dhaka on December 16,1971.