BANDARBAN: UK Ching, the only person among the indigenous people who was given the gallantry award Bir Bikram for his valiant fighting during 1971 Liberation War, passed away on Friday. He was 87.

Ching breathed his last at a private hospital in port city Chittagong at 6:00am on the day.

Ching’s son Babul Marma confirmed his father’s death to banglanews.

“His body will be taken to Bandarban, and the time of his funeral ceremony will be decided later,” said Babu.  

Ching fell sick on Wednesday at his residence on Bandarban, then he was taken to the district Sadar hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to Chittagong Medical Collage Hospital and then to a private hospital where he died.

Doctors said, Ching had been attacked by a brain stroke and suffering from high blood pressure and diabetics for long.

BDST: 1045 HRS, JUL 25, 2514