“Every Indian will be proud of his bravery,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah mourns the passing of Indo-Pak war hero Bhairon Singh

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Naik (Retd) Bhairon Singh, who was portrayed by actor Suniel Shetty in the film “Border” as the hero of the Longewala battle during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, died on Monday in Jodhpur at the age of 81. Bhairon Singh Rathore was deployed at the Longewala post in Jaisalmer, commanding a small BSF unit of 6-7 personnel that was accompanied by a 120-men company of Army’s 23 Punjab regiment. It was the bravery of these men that decimated an assaulting Pakistani tank regiment on Dec 5, 1971.

“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 said in a tweet.

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“The news of the demise of 1971 war hero Bhairon Singh Rathore is very sad,” Amit Shah tweeted.

“Leading a small contingent of BSF India along with the army at Longewala post, he raised the head of Bharat Mata by defeating the enemy with his bravery. Every Indian will always be proud of his bravery,” he added.

Amit Shah shared the glimpses of a meeting with Bhairon Singh Rathore during his visit to Jaisalmer. “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. Om Shanti Shant,” tweeted Amit Shah.