Songpi: April 13, 2026
Kuki civil society organisations and residents of Mongkot Chepu village in Manipur held a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to slain Border Security Force (BSF) constable Mithun Mandal, honouring what they described as his “supreme sacrifice.”
Mandal lost his life on April 10 after being struck by a stray bullet during an exchange of fire between suspected Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga village volunteers in Ukhrul district.
The incident reportedly took place around 4:45 pm near Mongkot Chepu village under Litan police station, when gunfire broke out between groups from Mongkot Chepu and nearby Shikibung village.
Following the incident, a candlelight vigil was organised under the aegis of the Kuki civil society working committee along with the local village authority. The tribute began with a silent procession from a local church to the site where the constable was killed.
The programme was attended by village leaders, church representatives, and members of various Kuki organisations. Participants observed a minute of silence, expressing grief and gratitude, with some 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, amid 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 organising committee condemned any attempts to distort or undermine the constable’s sacrifice, stating 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.
