J&K Lt governor, min pay homage to BSF constable killed in Jammu

JAMMU/GUWAHATI: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and minister Satish Sharma, at a wreath-laying ceremony on Monday, paid tributes to BSF constable Deepak Chingakham (25), who succumbed the day before 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.

“I salute the brave son of Mother India, BSF constable Deepak Chingakham, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We share the grief of the family and stand in solidarity,” LG Sinha said at the ceremony organised at Shahid Smarak, BSF Frontier HQ in Paloura Camp, Jammu.

“We are proud of his sacrifice. He joined the BSF in April 2021 and was the family’s sole breadwinner. Due to health issues, I am unable to work,” the martyr’s father, Chingakham Bonibihari Singh, told PTI. “He would call me now and then to ask what I needed. He always told me to work hard to succeed in life. Now he is gone. I am completely devastated,” said Deepak’s younger brother Chingakham Naoba Singh.

BSF IG (Jammu Frontier) Shashank Anand and other senior officials of BSF, police and civil departments also paid floral tributes to the slain constable at Jammu. “Our nation stands indebted to these brave hearts whose courage and dedication safeguard our borders. Their sacrifices will always be remembered and serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come,” J&K minister Satish Sharma said.

Chingakham’s mortal remains — wrapped in the tricolour — were later dispatched to his native place in Manipur and will arrive in Imphal on Tuesday. Following a wreath-laying ceremony at Imphal airport, his remains would be taken to his hometown in Yairipok Yambem Mathak Leikai in Imphal East, where the last rites would be performed.

Former chief minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, posted on X, “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. We salute the armed forces for their relentless dedication and bravery. We stand with the family of Constable Deepak in this difficult time and will extend all possible support. His sacrifice will always be remembered with honour and pride.”

BJP and Congress in Manipur also condoled the death of Chingakham.


(with PTI inputs)