West Bengal leaders pay tribute to Army Havildar killed in J&K anti-terror operation

Trinamool Congress MLA from Tehatta Tapas Kumar Saha at the residence of Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, meeting with the soldier’s father to convey condolences. Photo: X/@AITCofficial

Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of the Indian Army was killed during an anti-terror operation in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday (April 24, 2025). A member of the 6 Para (Special Forces), he hailed from Patharghata village in Krishnanagar in the Nadia district of West Bengal.

His death comes a day after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including three from West Bengal.

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In a statement, the Trinamool Congress expressed condolences and paid tribute to the slain soldier, describing him as the “Hero of Bengal.” “We pay solemn tribute to Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh of 6 Para (Special Forces), Indian Army, who laid down his life in the line of duty during a counter-terror operation in Udhampur. A son of Patharghata village in Krishnanagar, he embodied the highest ideals of valour, selflessness, and service to the nation. In this hour of grief, our heartfelt condolences go out to his bereaved family. His sacrifice shall never be forgotten,” the party said.

Trinamool MP from Krishnanagar, Mahua Moitra, also expressed her condolences and recalled that Havildar Shaikh hailed from her constituency.

Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated that the entire Trinamool leadership, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stood in solidarity with the bereaved family. “Those indulging in divisive politics over religion must introspect. They should instead honour the courage and sacrifice of Jhantu Ali Sheikh,” he said.

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Tehatta MLA Tapas Saha visited the soldier’s residence to offer condolences to the family. Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam noted that the fallen soldier came from the family of a marginal farmer and had made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his grieving family – we stand with them in this hour of sorrow,” Mr. Islam posted on social media platform X.

He also appealed against communal politicisation of the Pahalgam terror attack, saying, “Terrorism has no religion, and terrorists recognise no faith.”