Delhi: Kalon Karma Yeshi of Central Tibetan Administration on Thursday paid last respects to late former Defence Minister and long-time Tibet supporter, George Fernandes, who died on 29 January.

Representing the Central Tibetan Administration and Tibetans worldwide, Finance Kalon attended the funeral ceremony at the Lodhi Road crematorium in Delhi where Indian leaders including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Hon Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Senior BJP leader L K Advani, senior leader Sharad Yadav also paid visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu paid their last respects at the late Minister’s residence.

Representative Ngodup Dongchung, Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Delhi, former Kalon Dolma Gyari, Secretary Tsering Dhondup, Members of the Bureau and ITCO, Samyeling Settlement Officer and members of Tibetan community also attended the last rites.

Kalon Karma Yeshi paid tribute to the late leader with a Tibetan scarf and offered prayers and condolences to the family members.

Speaking to the press, Kalon said George Fernandes was the greatest supporter and friend of Tibet who championed the cause of human rights, democracy justice and public welfare.

A group of Tibetan people recited a prayer for the late leader.

The ashes of George Fernandes will be buried at the Christian Cemetery at Prithviraj Road on Friday.