Grief poured into the streets today as Manipur welcomed home one of its bravest, not with cheers, but with tears.
There was no silence at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport—only sobs, wails, and a wave of heartbreak as the mortal remains of Constable Deepak Chingakham arrived in his hometown.
The 27-year-old BSF jawan of the 7th Battalion was martyred in a drone strike at Kharkhola Border Outpost along the volatile India-Pakistan border on May 10. His mortal remains were flown in this morning, received with full honours in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, senior officials, legislators, and political leaders.
The grief was collective, but so was the pride.
As the convoy carrying his coffin rolled through the streets in a mass vehicle procession, hundreds lined the roads. Some stood in silence, some wept, and many saluted.
At every stop, people placed flowers, waved flags, and whispered prayers for the fallen hero.
Constable Deepak was finally laid to rest at his native village, Yairipok Yambem in Imphal East, with traditional rites echoing through the nature that raised him.
