New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the death of BSF’s veteran and 1971 India-Pak war hero, Bhairon Singh Rathore and said he showed great courage at a crucial point in our nation’s history.
Taking to Twitter, the PM 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.”
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
---Advertisement---
Border Security Force (BSF) veteran and hero of the India-Pakistan 1971 war, Naik (Retd) Bhairon Singh Rathore took his last breath at AIIMS, Jodhpur at the age of 81.
On his death, BSF said, “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.”
Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Bhairon Singh Rathore, he tweeted, “Had met Bhairon Singh Rathore ji 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. Om Shanti Shanti.”
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 (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) December 19, 2022
Bhairon Singh received the Sena Medal in 1972 for his heroic action. At the Longewala post on the Jaisalmer border, he fought the Pakistan Army and the Punjab Regiment.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed sadness over the death of Rathore and described him as a “brave warrior of the 1971 war”.
“Naik (retd) Bhairon Singh Ji, was such a brave warrior of the 1971 war who showed amazing courage in the Battle of Longewala. I am deeply saddened by his death. My condolences to his bereaved family. Bhairon Singh Ji’s contribution to the military history of India will remain indelible,” he said in a tweet in Hindi.
नायक (रिटा.) भैरो सिंहजी, 1971 के युद्ध के ऐसे जाँबाज़ योद्धा थे जिन्होंने लोगोंवाला की लड़ाई में अद्भुत शौर्य एवं पराक्रम का परिचय दिया था। उनके निधन से मुझे गहरा दुख हुआ है। उनके शोकाकुल परिवार के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएँ। भारत के सैन्य इतिहास में भैरो सिंह जी का योगदान अमिट रहेगा।
— Rajnath Singh (मोदी का परिवार) (@rajnathsingh) December 19, 2022
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 tweeted.
A BSF spokesperson said Bhairon Singh Rathore’s body has been taken to a training centre of the force in Jodhpur where a wreath laying ceremony will be held on Tuesday after which the cremation will be conducted in his village with full military honours.
(With inputs from agencies)
