In a significant counter-terror operation in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, the nation is in mourning following the loss of a distinguished soldier. Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh, a member of the elite 6 PARA (Special Forces), bravely engaged with terrorists during Operation Birli Gali and ultimately paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs, and it saw a collaborative effort involving the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Police. As security forces approached the terrorists’ hideout, they encountered intense resistance, leading to a fierce firefight.
Tragically, during the initial exchange of gunfire, Havildar Shaikh was gravely injured. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries, further deepening the sense of loss felt across the country. His commitment to duty and valor in combat exemplified the spirit of the armed forces, marking him as yet another hero who gave everything in service to the nation.
In the wake of this loss, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, along with soldiers and personnel of all ranks, paid heartfelt tributes to Havildar Shaikh. The GOC expressed profound gratitude for his indomitable courage, stating, “His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We salute his supreme sacrifice and stand in solidarity with his family in this moment of grief.”
Havildar Shaikh was recognized among his comrades for his exceptional dedication, operational aptitude, and unwavering loyalty to the nation. His sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the tireless efforts of India’s Special Forces in counter-terrorism, particularly in a region as sensitive as Jammu and Kashmir.
As the area has been cordoned off, security forces remain engaged in an ongoing operation with the objective of neutralizing the remaining terrorists involved in the confrontation.
The 6 PARA (Special Forces), to which Havildar Shaikh belonged, is part of the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment. This unit is renowned for its bravery and is often deployed at the forefront of counter-terrorism missions, particularly across Jammu and Kashmir, where the tactical landscape remains fraught with challenges.
As the nation reflects on the life and sacrifices of Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh, his bravery and dedication will be forever enshrined in the history of India’s military service.
