Jammu, May 12, 2025 – The nation grieves the loss of Border Security Force (BSF) Constable Deepak Chingakham, a 23-year-old hero from Manipur, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during cross-border firing by Pakistan Rangers in Jammu and Kashmir’s R S Pura sector. The incident occurred on the night of May 10, 2025, amid heightened tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Constable Chingakham succumbed to his injuries on May 11, 2025, becoming the second BSF casualty in the operation.
Hailing from Yairipok Yambem in Imphal East district, Deepak, a member of the Meitei community, joined the BSF in 2021. Known for his passion for sports and steadfast dedication, he was among eight BSF personnel injured during intense shelling along the International Boundary. Despite a US-mediated ceasefire effective from 5 PM on May 10, sporadic firing persisted, claiming Deepak’s life. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led the tributes, stating, “I salute the brave son of Mother India, BSF’s Constable Deepak Chingakham, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We share the grief of his family and stand in solidarity with them during this time of immense loss.”
LG Sinha attended a wreath-laying ceremony with full military honors on May 12 at the BSF Frontier Headquarters in Paloura, Jammu, alongside senior BSF officials. The BSF expressed profound condolences, with a statement on X reading, “DG BSF and All Ranks salute the supreme sacrifice made by Constable Deepak Chingakham in the line of duty. Prahari Pariwar stands firm with the bereaved family in these trying times.”
In Manipur, political leaders honored Deepak’s valor. BJP state president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi said, “A proud son of Manipur, his courage reflects the unwavering spirit of our people. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.” Congress president Keisham Meghachandra added, “The entire nation is proud of his bravery and commitment.” Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also paid tribute, noting, “His dedication to the nation embodies the duty that lives within so many of our people.”
Deepak’s family, though devastated, expressed pride in his service. His uncle, Chingakham Surjit Singh, shared, “He was 23 and loved sports. We are proud of him, and he will always be remembered.” Deepak is survived by his parents and a brother.
The cross-border firing, part of escalated hostilities post-Operation Sindoor, has claimed 18 civilian and seven security personnel lives since May 7, with Poonch and Rajouri among the worst-affected areas. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, destroying nine facilities, but triggered heavy retaliatory shelling, damaging civilian homes and displacing thousands. LG Sinha, while addressing the media, emphasized the need for strengthened border security and assured support for affected families, stating, “The government is committed to ensuring the safety of our border residents and providing relief to those impacted by this violence.”
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced ex-gratia payments for the kin of those killed, and efforts are underway to construct bunkers to protect border residents. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who visited Poonch on the same day to meet families affected by the shelling, echoed LG Sinha’s sentiments, reinforcing the state’s commitment to civilian safety. As the region observes a tentative calm following the ceasefire, Deepak Chingakham’s martyrdom underscores the immense sacrifices made by India’s armed forces amid ongoing border tensions and Manipur’s internal ethnic challenges.
