Karnah 07 : Nearly two decades after BSF personnel Rafiq Ahmad died of a heart attack in Shillong, his daughter’s wedding in the Gabra area of Karnah became an occasion for his former force to reaffirm that his sacrifice remains etched in its memory.
Personnel of the 31 Battalion of the Border Security Force reached the family’s home, met the martyr’s kin, presented gifts and other items for the wedding, and assisted with arrangements for the ceremony.
Ahmad, a resident of Gabra, had served in the BSF before his death in 2007. His legacy is carried forward by his children—son Aadil and daughter Mahida—both of whom are now serving in the force, a continuation of their father’s commitment to the nation that lent the BSF’s gesture added significance.
“It was an emotional moment for all of us. His father served the force, and now both his children are serving. The BSF family could not have stayed away on such a day,” a senior BSF officer present at the ceremony said.
The move was welcomed by the family and local residents, who described the presence of the force at a private family occasion as a reflection of the trust and solidarity between security forces and the people of the border region.
“We have seen the BSF stand with us during fires, emergencies and difficult times. Today they stood with a family that gave a son to the force. This is what brotherhood looks like,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Gabra.
Another local, Abdul Rashid, said the gesture carried a message that went beyond one family. “For the daughter, her father was not there. But his uniform was. That is a message to every soldier’s family that the nation does not forget,” he said.
Residents said the relationship between the forces and border communities extends beyond routine security duties. They pointed out that during emergencies, fire incidents and other difficult situations, as well as on important family occasions, the BSF, Army and Police have often stood by the local population.
“In border areas, the forces and the people live like one family. Be it a wedding or a tragedy, we stand together. This gesture has only strengthened that bond,” said Bashir Ahmad, another resident of Karnah.
For the martyr’s daughter, the absence of her father on her wedding day is a void that cannot be filled. The presence of his colleagues, however, carried its own message—that the force he served has not forgotten him, and that his family remains its own.
The 31 BSF was lauded by the local community for honouring the martyr’s family, with residents describing the gesture as an example of respect and brotherhood between the security forces and those living along the border.
“The way the BSF honoured the family today will be remembered in Karnah for a long time. It shows that the uniform is not just about duty, it is about relationships,” said Ghulam Nabi, a local elder.
Meanwhile, the people of Karnah extended their blessings and best wishes, praying for her happiness and prosperity.
