Manipur: Kuki civil society groups hold candlelight vigil for slain BSF constable

Imphal: Kuki civil society organisations and residents of Mongkot Chepu village in Manipur paid tribute to slain BSF constable Mithun Mandal, asserting that his “supreme sacrifice” should not be misrepresented.

Mandal, a Border Security Force personnel, was killed after being struck by a stray bullet during an exchange of fire between suspected Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga village volunteers in Ukhrul district on April 10.

The incident occurred around 4:45 pm at Mongkot Chepu village under Litan police station, when firing reportedly broke out between suspected Kuki-Zo volunteers from Mongkot Chepu and Tangkhul Naga volunteers from Shikibung village.

Following the incident, a candlelight vigil was organised in the village under the aegis of the Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSOs) along with the local village authority to honour the fallen constable.

The tribute began with a silent procession from a local church to the site where Mandal lost his life. The programme was attended by village leaders, church representatives, and members of various Kuki organisations, including KSO-Ukhrul and Kuki Inpi-Ukhrul.

Mourners observed a minute of silence, with several expressing grief and gratitude, describing the constable as someone who “took the bullets meant for us.”

Speaking at the gathering, KSO-Ukhrul Vice President Mercy Khongsai said that no amount of misinformation could diminish Mandal’s bravery.

“We know our truth. He stood between us and death,” she said, referring to what she described as conflicting narratives in sections of the media.

Pastor Thongngam Khongsai led prayers for the bereaved family as well as security personnel deployed in the region.

In a statement, the WCKCSOs condemned any attempts to “distort or undermine” the constable’s sacrifice, asserting that his courage and selflessness would be remembered with honour.

The village authority, in a separate statement, said the community would remain “forever indebted” to Mandal, describing his death as a loss that goes beyond uniform and region.