Longewala hero Bhairon Singh Rathore, portrayed by Suniel Shetty in 'Border', dies | 5 facts

Bhairon Singh 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.

Published on: Dec 19, 2022, 22:23:37 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday condoled the demise of Bhairon Singh Rathore, a BSF veteran of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, who passed away at AIIMS, Jodhpur. He was 81.

Bhairon Singh Rathore, the hero of the Longewala battle during 1971 War, passed away, in Jodhpur. (PTI)

“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,” Modi tweeted.

Amit Shah wrote: “Had met Bhairon Singh Rathore ji during his stay in Jaisalmer last year, the flame of love and patriotism in his heart for the motherland was truly unique. His heroic saga will continue to inspire generations to come. May God give strength to his family members to bear this sorrow.”

A BSF spokesperson said a wreath-laying ceremony will be held in Jodhpur, while cremation will be conducted in his village Solankiya Tala – located around 100 Km from Jodhpur – with full military honours.

5 facts about Bhairon Singh Rathore:

1. Bhairon Singh 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.

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

3. Bhairon Singh received the Sena Medal in 1972 for his heroic action.

4. Posted with the 14th BSF battalion during the war, Bhairon Singh Rathore retired as a Naik in 1987.

5. Actor Suniel Shetty, who essayed Bhairon Singh Rathore's bravery in the 1997 movie 'Border', paid tributes on Twitter. "Rest in power Naik Bhairon Singh Ji. Heartfelt condolences to the family," he wrote.

(With ANI, PTI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.