Mortal Remains of Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh Return Home to West Bengal After Encounter in Jammu and Kashmir

The body of Army Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, who died in a clash with terrorists during a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir, arrived at N S C Bose International Airport late Friday night. West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim honoured the coffin, draped in the national flag, with flowers before it was moved to a mortuary. The body is set to be taken to Sheikh's home in Nadia district on Saturday morning.

A crowd gathered at the airport, chanting slogans like "Bharat Matar Veer Santan Jhantu Sheikh Amar Rahe" and "India's brave heart Jhantu Sheikh will live forever in our hearts." His grieving wife expressed her disbelief over her husband's death, struggling to accept that he would never return to play with their son and other children around their home.

Family and Community Mourn

Sheikh is survived by his wife, daughter, and son. He was one of three brothers; both he and his elder brother, Rafiqur Sheikh, served in the Indian Army. At their family home in Nadia district, tearful relatives and neighbours remembered Jhantu as a quiet and kind-hearted man who always aspired to serve the nation in uniform.

The distraught widow shared that she received a text message from Sheikh early Thursday morning. He mentioned being busy with work and promised to call her back the next day. She continued her day after sending her son to school, reassured by his message.

Details of the Encounter

Officials reported that Sheikh was part of the 6 Para of special forces when he was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday. The incident occurred in the Dudu-Basantgarh area amid a cordon and search operation initiated based on intelligence about terrorist presence.

In the afternoon, news reached her that he had been injured but was stable. She hoped for his recovery until she received the devastating confirmation of his death. "For him, the country came first. Then was family and everything else," she said, highlighting his dedication to duty.

Sheikh's wife recalled how he never shared details of his operations due to his commitment as a soldier of the special forces. His dedication to his job was unwavering, prioritising national service above all else.