Nadia, West Bengal: Grief and respect poured in from across West Bengal following the death of Indian Army Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, who was killed in an anti-terror operation in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. A valiant soldier of the elite 6 Para (Special Forces), Havildar Sheikh hailed from Patharghata village in Krishnanagar, Nadia district.
His death came just a day after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including three from West Bengal.
Political Leaders Condole Loss, Hail ‘Hero of Bengal’
The Trinamool Congress paid glowing tribute to the fallen soldier, calling him the “Hero of Bengal.” In a statement, the party said, “We pay solemn tribute to Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh of 6 Para, who laid down his life in the line of duty. A son of Bengal, he represented the highest ideals of courage, selflessness, and patriotism. His sacrifice will forever be remembered.”
Trinamool MP from Krishnanagar, Mahua Moitra, expressed her condolences and pride, noting that the martyr hailed from her constituency.
Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the entire Trinamool leadership, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stood firmly with the grieving family. “At such a moment of loss, those engaging in divisive politics must introspect. The courage and sacrifice of Havildar Sheikh deserve nothing but honour and unity,” he remarked.
Leaders Visit Family, Urge National Solidarity
Tehatta MLA Tapas Kumar Saha visited the soldier’s home to meet with the family and offer his condolences in person. Photographs of the visit were shared on social media by the party.
Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam noted that Havildar Sheikh came from a humble background—his family dependent on marginal farming—and had made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family. The entire nation shares their pain,” he said in a social media post.
Islam also appealed against communalising the recent Pahalgam attack, stating, “Terrorism has no religion. Terrorists recognise no faith.”
Candlelight Rallies Across Bengal Mourn Pahalgam Victims
In response to the tragic Pahalgam attack, which took place a day before the Udhampur encounter, citizens across Kolkata and other districts of Bengal organised protest marches and candlelight vigils to mourn the loss of innocent lives.
Large gatherings of civilians, activists, and local leaders lit candles, held placards, and observed moments of silence in tribute to the 26 victims, calling for peace and national unity in the face of terror.
These gestures of solidarity underscored Bengal’s collective grief and resilience in the wake of back-to-back tragedies that have shaken the state and the nation.
