What is the story about?
Diljit Dosanjh lit up the screen with his effervescent performance as Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon in Border 2. His character arc in the film
became the emotional foundation. Diljit carried the role with grace and dignity while introducing the younger generation to the Indian Air Force officer who sacrificed his life only after defeating the neighbouring country. Inspired by the 1971 India-Pakistan war’s hero, Sekhon was one of the strongest pillars of Border 2 along with Hoshiar Singh Dahiya and Mahendra Singh Rawat. Diljit was paired with Sonam Bajwa, who played Manjeet. Sekhon was the first and only Indian Air Force (IAF) officer to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
Who was Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon?
Born on 17 July 1945 in the village of Issewal in Ludhiana, Punjab, Sekhon’s father was an (Honorary) Flight Lieutenant. He left engineering to join the IAF. On June 4, 1967, he was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot. During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, Singh flew Gnat jets also known and shot down a Pakistani Sabre.
When the Pakistan Air Force simultaneously attacked Indian airfields at Srinagar on December 3, 1971, Sekhon fought relentlessly. On December 14, 1971, the airfield was attacked by six Pakistani Sabre jets. The Flying Officer got airborne and engaged the Sabre formation. He was a pilot with a Gnat detachment posted in Srinagar for the valley's air defence against Pakistani air strikes.
How did Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon die?
Since no air defence aircraft were based at Srinagar, in compliance with an international agreement dating back to 1948, Sekhon was unfamiliar with the landscape and altitude of Srinagar. Despite the challenges, he and his colleagues fought consecutive waves of invading Pakistani aircraft, preserving the Gnat aircraft's strong reputation.
Six enemy Sabre aircraft assaulted Srinagar Airfield. However, Flying Officer Sekhon was unable to take off immediately. Until the runway was ready for takeoff, the enemy planes were above him. Risking his life, he attempted to take off and engaged two of the attacking Sabres. Amid the combat, the enemy aircraft abandoned the scene. Nirmaljit died defending Srinagar against Pakistan. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his unmatched bravery. A statue in his memory has been erected in Ludhiana.
Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon's last words
Nirmaljit was married to Manjeet, who later remarried. As per official documentation, Sekhon’s last words were, “I think I've been hit Ghumman, come and get them.” Air Traffic Controller and Flight Lieutenant Ghumman heard it.
Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon in Border 2
In Border 2, Diljit’s character gets shot by the Pakistani aircraft. Despite being outnumbered by the neighbouring country, he defended well. Recently, Sunny Deol met the family of Sekhon after the film’s theatrical release on January 23.
