<p>Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday mourned the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and others travelling with him in a fatal helicopter crash.</p>.<p>"I pray for the General and his companions and offer my heartfelt condolences to the members of the families of all those who perished in this unfortunate accident.</p>.<p>"I salute General Rawat's long-standing contribution in the service of the nation," the spiritual leader said in a statement.</p>.<p>General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 defence personnel were killed after the Mi-17V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force crashed at Kattery in Nilgiris on Wednesday.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos</strong></p>
<p>Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday mourned the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and others travelling with him in a fatal helicopter crash.</p>.<p>"I pray for the General and his companions and offer my heartfelt condolences to the members of the families of all those who perished in this unfortunate accident.</p>.<p>"I salute General Rawat's long-standing contribution in the service of the nation," the spiritual leader said in a statement.</p>.<p>General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 defence personnel were killed after the Mi-17V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force crashed at Kattery in Nilgiris on Wednesday.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos</strong></p>