INDIA: The real-life war hero of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Bhairon Singh Rathore, breathed his last at AIIMS hospital in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur on Monday (December 19).
Bhairon Singh Rathore passes away at 81
The BSF ( Border Security Force ) veteran received the Sena Medal in 1972 for battling against the enemies during the 1971 war at Longewala. The famous Bollywood movie ‘Border’ was inspired by the real victory of Indian soldiers. Actor Suniel Shetty played the role of Rathore in the movie.
PM Modi extended his condolence to the family and took to his social media and wrote, “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.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his grief for the demise of the braveheart. He wrote on his Twitter, “tale of his bravery will keep motivating the future generations.”
The fearless soldier belongs to the state of Rajasthan, thus considered to be the pride of the country. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot paid tribute to the immortal soul by writing on his social media handle.
He wrote, “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.”
Actor Suniel Shetty who essayed the courageous role of Bhairon Singh, expressed his gratitude and wrote, “Rest in power Naik Bhairon Singh Ji. Heartfelt condolences to the family.”
The Border Security Force (BSF) also upheld the “intrepid bravery, courage, and dedication” towards his duty. They posted the final goodbye to the National hero on their official social media handle.
They wrote, “The braveheart took his last breath at AIIMS, Jodhpur, today. DG BSF and all ranks condole the passing of Naik (retd) Bhairon Singh, Sena Medal, the hero of the Longewala battle during the 1971 war. BSF salutes his intrepid bravery, courage, and dedication towards his duty.”
During the war, the fearless hero was the 14th BSF battalion. In 1987, Rathore retired from the military as a Naik. He was previously assigned to the Longewala station in the Thar desert of Jaisalmer, where he commanded a small BSF unit of six to seven individuals accompanied by a 120-man company from the Army’s 23 Punjab regiment.
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