The nation pays homage to the valour and supreme sacrifice of Maha Vir Chakra awardee, Assistant Commandant of BSF, Ram Krishan Wadhwa and his 8 comrades, today, whose bravery snatched the Raja Mohatam Post in Mamdot Sector of Ferozepur in Punjab from the enemies during the 1971 war. Out of the 8, two were awarded Sena Medals and others with Medals of Gallantry posthumously.

 

 

The BSF celebrates the day as Raja Mohtam Day. A special ceremony will be held to pay tributes to the fallen soldiers of BSF during the 1971 war at the Raja Mohatam Border Out Post.

 

 

Assistant Commandant RK Wadhwa served the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery from 1963 to 1967 before joining the Border Security Force (BSF) in 1968. On 3rd December 1971, Raja Mohatam Post was lost to the enemy. On December 5th, Assistant Commandant Wadhwa, who was the company commander, was tasked to recapture the post.

 

 

In spite of the shortage of time and resources, the gallant officer motivated his team, which included an Inspector, One Sub Inspector, 4 constables and two cooks and launched the attack on the intervening night of 06/07 Dec 1971.

 

 

Displaying raw courage and conspicuous bravery, the troops ensured successful recapture of the Border outpost from Pakistani Forces on December 07th after a three-hour-long fierce battle.

 

 

Later, while repelling a counterattack by the enemy on 11 Dec, Assistant Commandant Wadhwa fell to the heavy enemy bombardment and attained martyrdom while defending the post.

 

 

His bravery and supreme sacrifice was recognised by the Government of India by awarding him Maha Vir Chakra (posthumously). He is the first and only officer of BSF who was decorated with this coveted award, which is the second-highest gallantry award after Param Vir Chakra (PVC). Two of his comrades, Sub Inspector Iqbal Singh and Constable Ram Singh, were also awarded the Sena Medal in recognition of their acts of exceptional courage and devotion to duty. The nation salutes him and his comrades who fought gallantly to safeguard the borders of our beloved motherland Bharat.