The 93-year-old passed away around 8:30 am at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) due to pneumonia, a hospital official said.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted condolences for the famed war hero and said India “will always remain grateful to him for his impeccable service to the nation at the most crucial moments”.
In his autobiography and many interviews, Jacob claimed that he defied then Chief of Army Staff (later Field Marshal) Gen. S.H.F.J.
Born in 1923 in Calcutta, British India, Jacob’s family hailed from a long line of Baghdadi Jews who moved to India from Iraq in the middle of the 18th century. “If Goa is seen green from the aircraft high in the sky it is thanks to Gen Jacob”, the Fatorda MLA said.
Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon was among the other prominent leaders, who paid tribute to 1971 war hero Lt. Gen (Retd.) J F R Jacob, during the wreath laying ceremony here on Thursday.
He served across Asia and Africa, graduated from artillery schools in England and the USA, and finally opted to serve with the Indian Army after Independence.
Lt Gen Jacob Farj Rafael Jacob, best known for crafting the surrender at Dhaka by the Pakistan army, died in New Delhi this morning.
In 2012, the Bangladesh government honoured him for his contributions to the 1971 Liberation War.
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Some time after he retired, he joined the BJP and headed its ex-servicemen’s wing. May the departed soul rest in peace. Parrikar said that Lt. Gen Jacob was a very upright man, and they developed a special bonding when he was the Governor of Goa. I will always cherish the memories of working with Lt Gen JFR Jacob during his stint as Governor of Goa.
