‘Hero of the nation': Manipur Governor, leaders, officers pay tribute to BSF constable

Indian Express

13-05-2025

The body of BSF constable Deepak Chingakham, who succumbed to injuries sustained during cross-border firing in Jammu and Kashmir, reached the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal, on Tuesday.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla led the wreath-laying ceremony at the airport. Former MoS for External Affairs RK Ranjan, Rajya Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, DGP, Manipur, Rajiv Singh, state BJP president A Sharda Devi and other high-ranking officers from the state and BSF were present, along with the constable's family members, at the wreath-laying ceremony.
Chingakham's father Chingakham Bombihari said, 'I am proud of my son's supreme sacrifice while fighting for the protection of the country.'
Governor Bhalla posted on his official X account, 'A son of Manipur, a hero of the nation. Constable Deepak Chingakham of the 7th Battalion, BSF, laid down his life in the line of duty during a drone attack from across the border at Kharkhola BOP on May 10, 2025.'
The Manipur government on Tuesday announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for Chingakham's family under the Major Laishram Jyotin Singh Ashok Chakra (P) Scheme.
BJP leader and former chief minister N Biren Singh visited the residence of Chingakham (25) at Yairipok Yambem in Imphal East district in the morning. In a social media post, Singh said, 'His quiet courage and deep sense of service will always be remembered with respect. The love and pride his family holds for him are deeply moving.'
Constable Chingakham was cremated at his birthplace in Yairipok Yambem Mathak Leikai, Imphal East.
His uncle Bihari Chingakham told The Indian Express, 'Although we have lost a son, our family is proud of Deepak's valour. He died defending his motherland. There is no sacrifice bigger than this for the country.'
The 27-year-old BSF man was the elder of the two sons of Bombihari and Ibemhal (mother). His younger brother is still in college. His father, a small-time farmer, was the sole breadwinner of the family till 2021 when Chingakham joined the BSF and eased his family's financial burden.
'Deepak always wanted to join the security forces. He had taken part in many recruitment rallies held in the state and the break came in 2021 when he was enlisted to join the BSF,' said Bihari. He said the family was planning to convince him to get married after building a proper house upon his return on his next leave. He last visited his family in March on a one-month leave.
'Since the conflict broke out, he constantly called us and assured us that he was safe and there was nothing to worry about. One night, he called me and his father in the middle of the fight. I could hear lots of gunshots,' said Bihari.
On May 10, the family was informed that Chingakham had been taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries. His uncle said, 'We were told that Deepak's injuries were not fatal. However, on May 12 evening, we received the heartbreaking news.' Chingakham's mother collapsed after hearing the news, said the family.