IMPHAL, May 13: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla paid heartfelt tributes to BSF constable Deepak Chingakham (25), who succumbed to injuries sustained in cross-border firing by Pakistan while on duty at the international border in Jammu’s RS Pura sector on May 10. The solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, shortly after the mortal remains of the fallen soldier were flown back to the state around 1 pm.
Governor Bhalla was accompanied by State Chief Secretary PK Singh, DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh, and State Security Advisor Kulediep Singh. Prior to the Governor’s arrival, BSF personnel and their top officials stationed in the state paid floral tributes to Chingakham. The ceremony also witnessed the presence of the GOC 57 Mountain Division, Inspector Generals of Assam Rifles and CRPF, and Additional DGPs of Manipur.
Several political leaders, including Lok Sabha MPs Bimol Akoijam and Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba, former Union Minister Dr. RK Ranjan Singh, Congress MLAs Okram Surjakumar and K Ranjit, and BJP MLA Kh Ibomcha, were also present at the ceremony.
Constable Deepak Chingakham of the 7th Battalion BSF, a resident of Yairipok Mathak Leikai in Imphal East district, joined the BSF in 2021. He was critically injured during cross-border firing by Pakistan along the international boundary in the RS Pura area of Jammu on May 10 and succumbed to his injuries the following day, Sunday, May 11.
He is survived by his father Bonbihari (58), mother, and younger brother Naoba (20), who were present during the wreath-laying ceremony at the airport. As per local sources, the mortal remains will be taken to his native place, Yairipok Mathak Leikai, where the last rites of the braveheart will be performed with full honours.
The event saw local women also turning up to express condolences for the 25-year-old BSF constable’s sacrifice in the line of duty.
It is worth noting that the Governor of Manipur on Monday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the bereaved family under the Major Laishram Jyotin Singh Ashok Chakra (P) Scheme for martyrs and their families.
Earlier, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President K. Meghachandra (also the sitting MLA from Wangkhem constituency), and BJP Manipur Pradesh President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi had expressed their condolences on the martyrdom of Constable Deepak Chingakham.
