'Valiant sons of Manipur played key role in Operation Sindoor': PM Modi pays tribute to BSF constable Deepak Chingakham

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the contribution of Manipur in India’s defence and freedom struggles, describing the state as the land of heroic sacrifices. Speaking in Imphal, he said the people of Manipur have always stood at the forefront, from the Indian National Army hoisting the tricolour to the recent Operation Sindoor .

Violence in Manipur ‘a great injustice’
“Any kind of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. This violence is a great injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. We have to take Manipur forward on the path of peace and development, and we have to do it together,” the Prime Minister said.

He urged the people to draw inspiration from the state’s historic role in the freedom movement, recalling how Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose called Manipur the gateway to India’s independence.

Role in Operation Sindoor
Referring to the recent military offensive, PM Modi said, “Recently, the world has seen the power of the Indian Army in Operation Sindoor. Our soldiers wreaked such havoc that the Pakistani army started to panic. The valour of many brave sons and daughters of Manipur is also included in this success.”

Tribute to Deepak Chingakham
PM Modi paid special tribute to BSF constable Deepak Chingakham, 25, of Manipur’s 7th Battalion, who laid down his life during unprovoked cross-border firing by Pakistani forces in the RS Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir on May 10. “I salute the valour of our brave martyr Deepak Chingakham. The country will always remember his sacrifice during Operation Sindoor,” the PM said.

Following his martyrdom, the bereaved father requested a state government job for Deepak’s younger brother, Chingakham Naoba Singh, so that he could remain close to the family.

While the BSF had offered employment within Manipur, the family chose to forgo it in favour of a state government job. The Governor-in-Council accepted the request, calling it an “exceptional case involving martyrdom in national service” and a humanitarian duty to support families of national heroes.

In addition, the state government enhanced the ex gratia for Deepak’s family to Rs 10 lakh.

Manipur’s place in India’s identity
Reiterating the cultural and sporting contributions of the state, PM Modi added, “Indian culture is incomplete without Manipuri culture. And without the players of Manipur, the sports of India are also incomplete.”