BSF jawan killed in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, CM Khemchand condoles

A BSF (Border Security Force) personnel posting at Manipur’s restive Ukhrul district, critically injured after struck by a bullet from unknown direction, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Imphal late on Friday.
The deceased BSF constable was identified as Mithun Mandal (No. 170801463) of the 170 Battalion, A Company. He hailed from Bhagjan Tola village in West Bengal, officials said.
He was hit by a bullet while on patrol duty at Mongkot Chepu under Litan police station of Ukhrul district today.
He succumbed to his injuries at RIMS hospital where he was shifted around 6pm.
Another source said that BSF personnel was caught in an exchange of fire between suspected Kuki and Tangkhul armed groups around 4.45 pm on Friday.
High tensions have been prevailing in the Litan area of Ukhrul district where the Mongkot Chepu is a part as there is a conflict between the Tangkhul (Naga) residents of the area and Kuki residents.
Occasional cross firing between the armed groups was reported there since the fresh tensions flared in February this year.
Troops of BSF were among the Central security forces deployed in the area to control the situation.
Manipur chief minister strongly condemned the unfortunate and tragic incident in which the BSF constable was killed while on patrol duty at Mongkot Chepu in Ukhrul district today.
In a post on social media, the chief minister said that he sustained injuries after being struck by a bullet fired from an unknown direction.
“Despite the best efforts of the medical personnel, the brave jawan succumbed to his injuries at around 6:00 PM at RIMS, Imphal,” he posted.
Mandal served the nation with unwavering courage, dedication, and a deep sense of duty. His supreme sacrifice in the line of duty will always be remembered with the highest honour and gratitude, the chief minister added.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. In this hour of profound grief, my thoughts and prayers are with them.
May the Almighty grant them the strength and fortitude to endure this irreparable loss<’ he further wrote in the post.
The state government also stood in solidarity with the family, and will remain resolute in “our commitment to uphold peace, security, and justice,” Singh reiterated in the post.