Bhairon Singh Rathore: Man Whose Bravery Inspired Border Movie Dies At 81

NEW DELHI: 1971 India- Bhairon Singh Rathore, a veteran of the Pakistani war whose valiant actions in Longewala served as the inspiration for Sunil Shetty's character in the film Border, passed away on Monday in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, at the age of 81. (December 19). At AIIMS Jodhpur, the combat hero breathed his death. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, and other officials expressed their sorrow at Rathore's passing.

"The braveheart passed away today at AIIMS, Jodhpur. The Sena Medal-winning Naik (ret.) Bhairon Singh, who fought in the Longewala battle during the 1971 war, passed away. The DG BSF and all ranks express their condolences. In a social media post, the BSF praised the man for his "intrepid bravery, fortitude, and loyalty to his duty."

A 120-man company of the Army's 23 Punjab regiment was accompanying Bhairon Singh Rathore's small BSF unit, which was stationed at the Longewala post in the Thar desert of Jaisalmer. On December 5, 1971, these men's courage annihilated an attacking Pakistani brigade and tank regiment in this area. For his valiant deed, Bhairon Singh was awarded the Sena Medal in 1972. Bhairon Singh Rathore, who served in the 14th BSF unit during the conflict, resigned in 1987 as a Naik.

Amit Shah, the home minister, and Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, among others, paid their respects to the deceased. In his tweet, PM Modi stated: "Naik (Retd) Bhairon Singh Ji will be remembered for his service to our nation. He showed great courage at a crucial point in our nation's history. Saddened by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti."

Amit Shah, the home minister, expressed his sorrow over the tragic death of the combat veteran. In a tweet, Shah recalled meeting the war hero on a trip to Jaisalmer in December of the previous year and expressed hope that "the story of his valour will keep motivating the future generations."

Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, too lamented the tragic end of the war. "Deeply saddened at the demise of the brave son of Rajasthan Naik (Retd) Bhairon Singh ji, whose exemplary bravery at the Longewala post during 1971 India-Pakistan war can never be forgotten," a tweet read by Ashok Gehlot.

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