Manipur: BSF jawan Deepak Chingakham’s body brought to Imphal; state pays tribute

Manipur bid farewell to its son and Border Security Force (BSF) Jawan Deepak Chingakham, who laid down his life during a recent escalation along the Indo-Pak border. His mortal remains were received with full military honours at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on May 13, where a ceremonial tribute was held in the presence of state dignitaries, military officials, and grieving family members.

 

Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla, senior security officials, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and top state bureaucrats laid wreaths and offered floral tributes to honour the valiant soldier, who hailed from Yairipok Yambem in Imphal East district.

 

Deepak Chingakham, aged 25, was serving with the 7th Battalion of the BSF when he lost his life in a drone strike near the Kharkhola Border Outpost on May 10, 2025. According to senior BSF officials, he played a pivotal role in neutralizing a Pakistani post during the cross-border conflict. He succumbed to injuries caused by an enemy drone strike that followed shortly after.

 

The grieving mother of the martyred soldier Deepak Chingakham, while speaking to the media at the sidelines of the ceremony, expressed profound sorrow mixed with pride. “Whose mother would not be heartbroken by her son’s death? Yet, I am proud that my son gave his life for the country,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.


Also Read: 'Proud of his sacrifice': Father of Manipur BSF Martyr Deepak Chingakham
 

Surjit, the soldier’s uncle, shared that Deepak was the sole breadwinner of his family, which includes his parents and a younger brother. “His death is an irreparable loss for our family, but his sacrifice brings us great pride. He joined the BSF in 2021 and had served in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir before his final posting,” he said.

Paying his respects, Lok Sabha MP Bimol Akoijam stated, “We have lost a brave son of Manipur. The people of this state have always stood tall in national service—whether in the armed forces or sports. I trust the BSF and the government will stand by the bereaved family.”

A senior BSF officer added, “Deepak’s courage and service were exemplary. He stood his ground during one of the most intense phases of the conflict. The BSF family is committed to supporting his loved ones.”

Officials reaffirmed Manipur’s unwavering solidarity with the armed forces and expressed their commitment to standing with the Chingakham family during this time of grief.

The martyr’s body was later taken to his native village, where final rites were performed with full military honours.