IMPHAL, May 12: Leaders across political parties in Manipur, including the BJP and Congress, have expressed deep grief over the death of BSF Constable Deepak Chingakham, who succumbed to injuries sustained during cross-border firing initiated by Pakistan in Jammu’s R S Pura sector on May 10. The unprovoked shelling came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the launch of India’s Operation Sindoor.
Chingakham, a resident of Yairipok Yambem in Imphal East district, was among eight BSF personnel injured in the attack. He passed away on Sunday, May 11, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He is survived by his parents and a brother.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress in Manipur led the tributes. BJP state president A. Sharda Devi described Chingakham as “a proud son of Manipur” and said his “courage and devotion reflect the unwavering spirit and commitment of the Manipuri people.” She added, “We honour his bravery and stand with his family and comrades in this time of grief. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra also paid heartfelt tribute, stating, “The people of Manipur, and indeed the entire nation, are proud of his bravery and commitment. We will remember him for his supreme sacrifice for our motherland.”
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh echoed the sentiments, stating that Chingakham’s sacrifice would be remembered “with honour and pride.” “He was a proud son of Manipur, and as a Manipuri-Meitei, his courage and devotion to the nation reflect the unwavering commitment of our people to protect and serve,” Singh said.
The Border Security Force (BSF) officially confirmed Chingakham’s death, stating, “Constable Deepak Chingakham sustained fatal injuries during cross-border firing along the International Boundary in R S Pura area, Jammu district, on May 10, and attained martyrdom on May 11.” A wreath-laying ceremony to honour the martyred jawan was scheduled at the BSF’s frontier headquarters on Monday.
The same attack also claimed the life of Sub-Inspector Mohammed Imteyaz, according to the BSF.
The incident occurred amid rising tensions along the International Border and the Line of Control, following the Indian Armed Forces’ launch of Operation Sindoor — a retaliatory strike against terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
Indian forces confirmed the destruction of 11 Pakistani air bases and significant damage to their military infrastructure. However, Pakistan’s continued ceasefire violations and drone intrusions have kept border areas on high alert.
On May 11, the region reportedly experienced a rare calm night, with no violations recorded, after a communication between India’s Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajeev Ghai and his Pakistani counterpart. The two sides agreed to cease hostilities from 5:00 PM on May 10, but the Pakistani side reportedly violated the agreement within hours, prompting a strong response from Indian forces.
