BSF Honors 1971 War Heroes at Raja Mohatam Border Outpost

A ceremony took place on Thursday to honor the bravery of assistant commandant Ram Krishan Wadhwa and eight Border Security Force (BSF) comrades at the Raja Mohatam border outpost in the Mamdot sector of Ferozepur. This event commemorated their significant role in recapturing the outpost during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The ceremony also paid tribute to the sacrifices of those who displayed remarkable valor in the face of adversity.

In addition to Wadhwa, two of his comrades were awarded the Sena Medal, while others received Medals of Gallantry posthumously. The gathering was led by Atul Fulzele, the inspector general of BSF’s Punjab frontier, who visited the outpost to pay his respects to the fallen soldiers. The Raja Mohatam outpost is notable for its strategic importance and the fierce defense mounted by BSF personnel during the conflict.

Assistant commandant Wadhwa had previously served in the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery from 1963 to 1967 before joining the BSF in 1968. The outpost fell to enemy forces on December 3, 1971. On December 5, Wadhwa, who was the company commander, received orders to reclaim the post. Despite limited resources and time constraints, he motivated his team—comprising an inspector, a sub-inspector, four constables, and two cooks—to launch an attack on the night of December 6-7.

The operation displayed exceptional courage, culminating in the successful recapture of Raja Mohatam after a fierce three-hour battle on December 7. Tragically, during a counterattack by enemy forces on December 11, Wadhwa fell victim to heavy bombardment while valiantly defending the post. In recognition of his bravery, the Indian government awarded him the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously. He remains the first and only BSF officer to receive this prestigious honor, which is the second-highest gallantry award in India.

When visiting Raja Mohatam, IG Fulzele took the opportunity to meet with the families of the fallen soldiers. He expressed profound respect and gratitude for their sacrifices and honored them with mementos as a tribute to their loved ones’ indomitable spirit. The inspector general also viewed a documentary titled “RAJA MOHTAM: THE UNTOLD SAGA OF BSF BRAVERY,” which highlights the crucial role played by the BSF during the 1971 conflict.

This commemoration serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the BSF in protecting the nation’s borders and the enduring legacy of courage exhibited by its personnel.