Lance Naik Bhairon Singh Rathore, a BSF veteran and hero of the 1971 India-Pakistan War, passed away in Jodhpur at the age of 81. The BSF veteran’s bravery at Rajasthan’s Longewala post during the war was portrayed by actor Suniel Shetty in the Bollywood movie ‘Border’. He served in the 14th BSF unit during the war and retired from service in 1987.
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According to official records:
- The operations room of 12 Infantry division had received a telegram, warning that Pakistan may launch a huge offensive and raid the border outpost on 3 or 4 December, 1971.
- Around 6 am on 5 December 1971, an enemy brigade, led by a regiment of T-59 tanks, launched an attack on Longewala, Rajasthan. After supported strikes by the Indian Air Force, a company under the leadership of Lance Naik Rathore was sent.
- According to the records, Rathore took his light machine gun and inflicted heavy casualties, forcing the Pakistani Army to retreat.
- He was awarded the Sena Medal in 1972 for his bravery.