Firing at LOC: BSF jawan from Bihar Mohammad Imtiyaz martyred in Pakistani firing at RS Pura.

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Martyr at the Border: The Sacrifice of BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz and the Grief of a Proud Family

As dawn broke over the quiet village of Narayanpur in Bihar’s Chapra district, an overwhelming silence gripped the air. The news had arrived: Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz of the Border Security Force (BSF), a native son, had laid down his life on the nation’s frontlines. Killed in cross-border firing by Pakistani forces at the RS Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Line of Control (LoC), Imtiyaz’s ultimate sacrifice has left his family, his village, and the entire nation in mourning—but also in pride.

A Father’s Courage, A Son’s Pride

“My father was a very, very strong man,” said Mohammad Imran, Imtiyaz’s eldest son, his voice trembling yet filled with pride. “I am proud of my father. I am proud of all those who have sacrificed for the country. I salute every martyr.”

For Imran and his siblings—two sons and two daughters—the loss is deeply personal. Tears flow freely, mingling the pain of losing a beloved father with the pride of knowing he gave his life in service to the nation. “In these tears, there is pain, but there is also pride,” Imran said, standing by his father’s coffin as it arrived in Patna, draped in the national flag.

The Final Call: A Family’s Last Conversation

Just two days before his death, Imtiyaz had spoken to his nephew, Mohammad Aftab. Their conversation was ordinary, filled with the usual questions about health and family. “We talked about how we were doing,” Aftab recalled. “He asked about my health, and I asked about his. There was nothing unusual. We did not know it would be our last call.”

The news of Imtiyaz’s death came suddenly, late in the evening. “Between 8:30 and 8:45 pm, we got word that he was no longer with us. He had been martyred,” Aftab said, struggling to hold back tears. For Aftab, Imtiyaz was more than an uncle; he was a mentor and a role model. “He was a noble-hearted man, very special to all of us.”

The Incident: Firing at RS Pura

On May 10, 2025, Pakistani forces opened fire at the RS Pura sector along the international border in Jammu district. Amid the chaos, Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz led his team from the front, standing tall in the face of danger. The BSF’s official statement paid tribute to his bravery: “We salute the supreme sacrifice of BSF’s brave Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz, who laid down his life in the line of duty during cross-border firing at RS Pura, Jammu.”

As the leader of his border post, Imtiyaz’s actions embodied valor and leadership. “He led from the front with exemplary courage,” the BSF statement continued. The Director General of BSF and all ranks expressed their deepest condolences to his family, recognizing the magnitude of their loss.

A Hero’s Welcome Home

When Imtiyaz’s body arrived in Patna, it was met with full state honors. The coffin, wrapped in the tricolor, was carried through a sea of mourners—family, friends, villagers, and officials—each one paying their respects. The atmosphere was heavy with grief but also with a collective sense of pride.

At the BSF Frontier Headquarters in Jammu’s Paloura, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held. Senior officers, fellow soldiers, and government officials paid floral tributes to the fallen hero. The ceremony was marked by silence, broken only by the bugle’s mournful call and the soft prayers of those present.

A Village in Mourning

Narayanpur, the village where Imtiyaz was born and raised, now stands in hushed reverence. The narrow lanes and mud houses have seen their share of hardship, but never a loss like this. For the villagers, Imtiyaz was not just a soldier—he was a son, a neighbor, a friend.

Arjun Rai, a resident of Narayanpur, recalled his last conversation with Imtiyaz. “I spoke to him on Friday. He told me about the seriousness of the situation at the border. He was calm, as always, but I could sense the tension,” Rai said.

Just fifteen days before his death, Imtiyaz had visited the village, spending time with family and friends. “He was humble, always smiling, always ready to help,” Rai remembered. “We are proud, but we are heartbroken.”

A Family’s Grief, A Nation’s Salute

Imtiyaz leaves behind a wife, two sons, and two daughters. His eldest son, Mohammad Imran, works as a biometric engineer at Patna’s PMCH hospital. As soon as he heard the news of his father’s martyrdom, he boarded a train to Jammu, desperate for one final farewell.

Their home, once filled with laughter and the everyday bustle of family life, is now shrouded in silence. Neighbors gather outside, offering condolences and recounting tales of Imtiyaz’s kindness and bravery.

Imran’s words, spoken through tears, resonate far beyond the walls of their home: “I am proud of my father. I salute every martyr who has given their life for the country.”

Political Tributes and National Recognition

The sacrifice of Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz has not gone unnoticed. Political leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, expressed their condolences and admiration. In a heartfelt post on social media, Yadav wrote, “We salute and bow to the bravery and sacrifice of BSF’s courageous Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz of Chapra, Bihar, who laid down his life for the nation’s security at the international border in Jammu. The nation will always honor his valor, courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.”

The BSF’s official social media handles echoed these sentiments, sharing images and messages of tribute. Across the country, people offered prayers and messages of support for the grieving family.

A Legacy of Bravery

Imtiyaz’s story is not just one of loss, but of legacy. As a BSF Sub-Inspector, he was responsible for the security of India’s borders—a task fraught with danger and uncertainty. Yet, he never wavered in his duty.

His courage was evident not just in battle, but in everyday life. Friends and colleagues remember him as a man of integrity, always willing to go the extra mile for others. “He was a leader, both on and off the field,” said a fellow BSF officer. “His men trusted him. He inspired confidence.”

The Rituals of Farewell

As per tradition, Imtiyaz was laid to rest with full state honors in his native village. The funeral procession wound its way through Narayanpur, accompanied by the sound of drums and the wailing of mourners. The tricolor was handed to his widow, a symbol of the nation’s gratitude.

The rituals were marked by both grief and pride. Imtiyaz’s children, though devastated, stood tall, embodying the strength their father had shown throughout his life. “We will carry his legacy forward,” Imran said. “He taught us to love our country and to stand up for what is right.”

The Cost of Peace

The story of Mohammad Imtiyaz is a stark reminder of the price paid by those who guard India’s borders. While the nation sleeps, it is men like Imtiyaz who stand watch, risking everything to ensure the safety and security of their fellow citizens.

For every martyr, there is a family left behind—a wife who becomes a widow, children who become orphans, parents who lose their pride and joy. Their sacrifice is immeasurable, their grief profound.

A Call for Support

As the nation pays tribute to its fallen hero, there is also a call for greater support for the families of martyrs. Compensation, pensions, and educational opportunities for the children of the fallen are crucial. “The nation must stand with us, not just in words, but in action,” said a family member.

Local leaders have pledged to support Imtiyaz’s family, ensuring that his children can continue their education and his wife receives the benefits due to her. The villagers, too, have rallied around the family, offering whatever help they can.

A Nation United in Grief and Gratitude

The story of Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz has struck a chord across India. In cities and villages alike, people have paused to remember the sacrifices made by those who serve at the border. Candlelight vigils, prayers, and moments of silence have been observed in his honor.

For the people of Bihar, and especially for the residents of Narayanpur, Imtiyaz’s legacy will endure. His name will be spoken with pride, his story told to future generations.

Conclusion: The Eternal Flame of Sacrifice

As the sun sets over Narayanpur, the village gathers to bid farewell to its hero. The pain of loss is sharp, but so is the pride. Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz’s sacrifice is a testament to the courage and resilience that define India’s soldiers—and the families who stand behind them.

In the words of his son, “I am proud of my father. I salute every martyr of this nation.”

As the tricolor flutters over his grave, the message is clear: The nation will never forget.