1971 India-Pakistan war: Longewala hero Bhairon Singh Rathore, who Suniel Shetty portrayed in 'Border', dies aged 81

PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot expressed grief over the sad demise of Bhairon Singh Rathore, the 1971 India-Pakistan war veteran whose bravery at Rajasthan's Longewala post was also depicted in the Bollywood movie 'Border'.

New Delhi: Nayak (retd) Bhairon Singh Rathore, the 1971 India-Pakistan war hero whose bravery at Rajasthan's Longewala post was depicted in the Bollywood movie 'Border', passed away at the age of 81 in Rajasthan's Jodhpur on Monday (December 19). The war veteran took his last breath at AIIMS Jodhpur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other leaders expressed grief over Rathore's death.

Prime Minister Modi said that Bhairon Singh Ji will be remembered for his service to our nation

"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," he tweeted.

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. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 19, 2022

Shah, in his tweet, remembered his meeting with the war hero during his visit to Jaisalmer in December last year, saying the "tale of his bravery will keep motivating the future generations."

पिछले वर्ष अपने जैसलमेर के प्रवास पर भैरों सिंह राठौड़ जी से भेंट हुई थी, मातृभूमि के लिए प्रेम और देशभक्ति की जो ज्वाला उनके दिल में थी वो सचमुच अद्वितीय थी। उनकी शौर्यगाथा आने वाली पीढ़ियों को प्रेरित करती रहेगी। ईश्वर उनके परिजनों को यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति दें।
ॐ शांति शांति pic.twitter.com/Qg8KfNI54Y — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 19, 2022

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief over the sad demise of 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," he said in a tweet.

"My heartfelt condolences to his family members. May they remain strong in this difficult time. May the departed soul rest in peace," Shah added.

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. pic.twitter.com/7KzoZN07Zg — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) December 19, 2022

The Border Security Force (BSF) also condoled his death and saluted his "intrepid bravery, courage, and dedication" towards his duty.

"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," the force tweeted.

DG BSF & all ranks condole the passing of Naik (Retd) Bhairon Singh, Sena Medal, the hero of #Longewala battle during 1971 War. BSF salutes his intrepid bravery, courage & dedication towards his duty.
Prahari parivar stands by his family in these trying times.#JaiHind pic.twitter.com/nzlqNJUi9K — BSF (@BSF_India) December 19, 2022

Rathore was deployed at the Longewala post in the Thar desert of Jaisalmer, commanding a small BSF unit of six to seven personnel that was accompanied by a 120 men company of the Army's 23 Punjab regiment.

It was the bravery of these men that decimated an assaulting Pakistani brigade and tank regiment at this location on December 5, 1971.