Colonel who sounded alert about attack on Longewala in 1971 dies

CHANDIGARH: Colonel Dharam Vir Bhakhri (retired), an officer of the 23 Punjab Battalion who had first alerted his senior, then Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri (later Brigadier), about Pakistan’s attack on Longewala post, breathed his last on Monday evening in Gurugram after a prolonged illness.
Bollywoodd actor Akshay Khanna essayed the role of Colonel Bhakhri in “Border”, a movie based on the famous “Longewala battle” of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Colonel Bhakhri, 77, lived in Gurugram along with his family. He is survived by two sons, one of whom lives in Gurugram, while the other son is a serving lieutenant colonel in the Army. His wife died six years ago. He was awarded “Mentioned in Despatches” for his gallant act during the 1971 war.
A native of Ludhiana district in Punjab, Colonel Bhakhri had commanded 23 Punjab Battalion from 1992 to 1994. He was a Captain during the 1971 war.