How did Manipur honor the CRPF officer struck by lightning during anti-Maoist operations?

Synopsis
In a poignant farewell, the people of Manipur, along with officials and family, gathered to pay tribute to CRPF officer Maharabam Prabo Singh, who tragically lost his life during an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand. His sacrifice and dedication to duty exemplify the bravery of our armed forces.
Key Takeaways
- Officer Maharabam Prabo Singh lost his life during an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand.
- A heartfelt tribute was held at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.
- The incident marks the first lightning-related death of a commandant-rank officer in a Maoist-affected area.
- Three individuals were injured during the operation and are currently receiving treatment.
- Singh's dedication and sacrifice will be remembered by the CRPF and the community.
Imphal, May 17 (NationPress) A significant crowd of community members, alongside family and high-ranking officials in Manipur, gathered on Saturday to honor the memory of CRPF officer Maharabam Prabo Singh, who tragically lost his life on May 15 due to a lightning strike while engaged in an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand.
The remains of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer Singh, aged 46, were flown into Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on Saturday afternoon.
The Security Advisor for the Manipur government, Kuldiep Singh, who previously served as the Director General of CRPF, paid his respects along with senior officials, legislators, and family members during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the airport.
Following this tribute, the remains were transported to his residence in Sekmai, located in Imphal West district, where full honors were bestowed during the last rites for this heroic individual.
According to CRPF DIG for Manipur and Nagaland Sector, R. Duidang, Singh made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, struck fatally by lightning during operations conducted by the 26th Battalion of the CRPF.
“Maharabam Prabo Singh joined the central paramilitary force in 2006. He was a dedicated and effective officer. The CRPF will always remember his sacrifice,” the DIG stated in a media address.
On May 15, during an operation in the Saranda forests of the Chhotanagra region in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum, Second-in-Command Maharabam Prabo Singh sadly perished due to a lightning strike.
“The CRPF extends its heartfelt condolences to the courageous officer who lost his life in such tragic circumstances. During this deeply sorrowful time, the entire force stands united with his grieving family,” remarked a post from the paramilitary unit on social media.
This incident marks the first lightning-related fatality involving a commandant-rank officer in the Maoist-affected district.
Singh was serving as the second-in-command, directing a joint operation undertaken by the paramilitary force in collaboration with the district police when he succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
The three individuals injured during the incident include CRPF Assistant Commandant Subir Kumar Mandal from West Bengal, and Jharkhand Police’s Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Chandlal Hansda and Suresh Bhagat, both locals from Jharkhand.
The injured personnel are currently receiving medical care in a hospital.