IMPHAL — A Border Security Force constable was killed Friday after being struck by a bullet during indiscriminate firing that erupted from Mongkot Chepu toward Sharkaphung, a Tangkhul Naga village in Kamjong district, police said.

The deceased, Constable Mithun Mandal, No. 170801463, of 170 Battalion A Company, BSF, was hit around 4:50 p.m. while on patrol duty near Mongkot Chepu. He was rushed for medical attention but succumbed to his injuries at approximately 6:00 p.m. at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal. He hailed from Bhagjan Tola village in West Bengal.

Chief Minister Sky Khemchand strongly condemned the incident, describing Mandal as a soldier who 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," Khemchand said, extending condolences to the bereaved family. He added that the state government "stands in solidarity with the family" and remains committed to upholding peace, security, and justice.

In a separate post on X, the chief minister reiterated his condemnation of the killing, calling Mandal "a brave son of West Bengal" whose sacrifice would never be forgotten, and offered prayers for strength and peace for the grieving family.

The direction from which the fatal shot was fired remains unclear, with authorities describing it as coming from an unknown direction. The incident has heightened tensions in the district, which borders Myanmar.

No group has claimed responsibility for the firing as of the time of this report. Further investigation is underway.