State pays last respects to martyr Deepak, many condole
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 13 2025: Full state honour was accorded to BSF trooper Deepak Chingakham, who was martyred in a cross-border shelling by Pakistan at Kharkola border outpost in Jammu and Kashmir.

The 25-year-old constable of the 7th Battalion, Border Security Force (BSF), was remembered for his courage and supreme sacrifice as his mortal remains were brought here on Tuesday.

The body of the martyred soldier arrived at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport by an Indigo flight around 1:10 pm, where a solemn ceremony was held to pay last respects.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla led the tribute by laying a wreath and saluting the courage of constable Deepak.

The solemn homage event was jointly organised by BSF Sector HQ CI Ops Manipur and the 164th Battalion BSF.

In a moving tribute, the Governor expressed the collective grief and gratitude of the state for the young soldier's ultimate sacrifice.

State pays last respects to martyr Deepak, many condole

A two-minute silence was observed, followed by a guard of honour and the playing of the Last Post by BSF troops.

BSF personnel raised slogans in honour of Deepak's bravery before the body was taken to his native village, Yairipok Yambem in Thoubal district, for cremation.

Prominent figures including Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sarda, MPCC president K Meghachandra, Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha, Sugnu MLA K Ranjit, and former Union Minister of State RK Ranjan attended the ceremony.

Senior officials from BSF, Manipur Police, Army, Assam Rifles, state administration, and the security advisor were also present, standing in solidarity with the bereaved family.

Deepak's parents, though overwhelmed with grief, expressed pride in their son's sacrifice for the country.

"We are heartbroken, but proud that he died protecting the nation," his father said.

State pays last respects to martyr Deepak, many condole

Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba said the loss of such a brave son of Manipur is deeply saddening, but his name will remain etched in the hearts of the people forever as Dr Bimol Akoijam expressed that Manipur has produced many brave hearts who laid down their lives for India, and acknowledged that Deepak's sacrifice has brought pride to the entire state.

He urged the public to stand in solidarity with the grieving family.

Senior BSF officers extolled Deepak's courage and commitment, assuring all necessary support to the bereaved family.

Former chief minister N Biren Singh also paid tribute via a post on X, stating, "His quiet courage and deep sense of service will always be remembered with respect.

The love and pride his family holds for him is deeply moving".

He visited the martyr's place at Yairipok and expressed condolences in person.

MPCC president Meghachandra also stated that Deepak's martyrdom in the service of the nation in cross-border firing along the international boundary in RS Pura area, Jammu, in Operation Sindoor, will be inked in the history of the country's fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Earlier on Monday, the state government had announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the family of constable Deepak Chingakham.

Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Th Satyabrata Singh also expressed sadness over the loss of Deepak Chin-gakham, calling him a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty at Kharkhola border outpost on May 10.In a condolence message, Satyabrata said that he was martyred in a drone attack by Pakistan.

"He will always be remembered with pride and gratitude as a courageous Manipuri soldier who fought with dedication and selflessness for the nation," he said, while praying for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

Yuva Janata Dal (United) Manipur State Unit also condoled the demise of Deepak Chingakham and shared pain of the bereaved family.

Pointing out that the sacrifice of Deepak has demonstrated that there are thousands of Manipuris who do not have any fear in protecting the territory of India, it appealed to the central government not to treat Manipur with contempt.

Condemning the indiscriminate shelling by Pakistani army on May 10 in RS Pura sector of Jammu district, which led to the grievous injury and subsequent martyrdom of BSF constable Deepak Chingakham, All Manipur Gorkha Students' Union (AMGSU) expressed its deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the braveheart.

In a release, AMGSU president LB Adhikari stated that his supreme sacrifice in the line of duty reflects the highest traditions of courage, selflessness, and patriotism.

"Martyr Deepak Chinga-kham has laid down his life so that we may live in peace and security.

His legacy will forever remain etched in the memory of a grateful nation," he said.

BSF IG ID Singh said, "Deepak was a brave soldier of the BSF.

We are proud that he held his responsibility as a soldier.

The entire BSF stands by his family." "We have provisions in the BSF under which eligible family members could be recruited on compassionate ground.

His brother can be recruited," the Border Security Force officer said.

Deepak Chingakham joined the BSF in April 2021 .