Imphal: A Border Security Force (BSF) constable was killed after being struck by a bullet during an exchange of fire between armed groups in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday.The deceased, posted with the 170 Battalion BSF in Ukhrul, was identified as Mithun Mandal (34) from West Bengal.Official sources said Mandal was on patrol duty in the Mongkot Chepu area when he was hit on his left shoulder amid gunfire between volunteers of the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki groups.Police said intermittent firing between the two groups began around 1pm, and the constable was struck at 4.47pm, suffering fatal injuries.He was rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal, where he died. His body was deposited at the hospital mortuary in the evening.CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh condoled Mandal’s death. “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 said in a post.He also condemned the incident, saying Mandal was “martyred while on patrol duty at Mongkot Chepu in Ukhrul district today, after being struck by a bullet fired from an unknown direction.”“Hailing from Bhagjan Tola village in West Bengal, constable 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 state govt stands in solidarity with the family, and we remain resolute in our commitment to uphold peace, security, and justice,” Khemchand Singh said.
