Dr Atul Fulzele, IG, BSF Punjab pays homage to martyrs on Rajamotham Day
Ferozepur, December 12, 2025:, Dr Atul Fulzele, IPS, Inspector General, BSF Punjab Frontier visited BOP Rajamohtam, on 11 December 2025 at about 1030 hrs. During the visit, the IG paid homage to the BSF martyrs at this historic post, which houses a company-level strength of BSF troops and is renowned for its heroic defence during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, where BSF personnel made the supreme sacrifice while protecting the nation’s borders.
During the visit, the IG also organized a ceremony to honour the families of the martyrs. He personally met the families, expressing his deepest respect, gratitude and appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of their loved ones and honoured the families of the martyrs with mementos as a tribute to their indomitable courage. The IG also witnessed the war documentary “RAJA MOHTAM: THE UNTOLD SAGA OF BSF BRAVERY,” prepared on the vital role played by the BSF in the 1971 war. The event was graced by Sh Snehdeep Sharma, IPS, DIG Range Punjab Police, Sh Bhupender Singh, PPS, SSP Ferozepur, Sh Rajbir Singh, PPS, DSP Lakho Ke Behram, Sh Gurpreet Singh, Chief Manager, SBI along with civil dignitaries, border communities and families of BSF martyrs.
The IG further commended the local border population for their continued cooperation and vital support to the BSF in preventing crime and combating illegal activities in the border region. He highlighted the crucial role played by the community in maintaining peace, security, and vigilance along the international border.
HISTORIC ACCOUNT OF BOP RAJAMOHTAM
03 December 1971 stands as a significant day in India’s military history. Following Pakistan’s attack on Indian territory at the onset of the 1971 Indo-Pak War and considering strategic operational requirements, the Indian Army temporarily vacated BOP Rajamohtam. Shortly thereafter, a company of the Pakistan Army’s 9 Baloch Regiment, equipped with varied weaponry, occupied the post.
As the war intensified, the Indian Army entrusted the responsibility of recapturing BOP Rajamohtam to the 31 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF), popularly known as “Thirty One – The Bravest One.” On 06 December 1971, this crucial task was assigned to the bold and fearless officer, Shri Ram Kishan Wadhwa, Assistant Commandant.
Despite severe constraints related to time, manpower and resources, Sh. R. K. Wadhwa swiftly prepared his troops for the assault. The area was heavily mined and the enemy maintained continuous fire with small arms and machine guns. Undeterred, Sh R K Wadhwa led BSF troops with exemplary courage, tactical skill and unwavering devotion to duty. Inspired by his leadership, BSF personnel advanced with complete disregard for personal safety.
efore sunrise on 07 December 1971, the BSF contingent successfully recaptured BOP Rajamohtam, driving out Pakistani forces. In this fierce battle, three brave BSF personnel, Sub-Inspector Iqbal Singh, Constable Sukha Singh and Constable Ram Singh laid down their lives for the nation.
After the recapture, Pakistani forces attempted multiple counterattacks to regain control of the post. BSF troops, demonstrating exceptional determination, repelled each attack and steadfastly defended the position.
On 11 December 1971, while countering yet another enemy assault, an enemy shell exploded near Sh R K Wadhwa. He sustained grievous injuries and made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.
In this series of intense operations, a total of 09 BSF personnel, including the valiant Sh R K Wadhwa, Assistant Commandant attained martyrdom. For their extraordinary bravery, BSF personnel were honoured with one Maha Vir Chakra, two Sena Medals, one Police Medal for Gallantry and five Mention-in-Dispatches (MiD).
Today, BOP Rajamohtam stands as a proud symbol of extraordinary courage, supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment, etched forever in the glorious history of the Border Security Force and the nation.