As attempts are made by fringe elements to give a communal spin to the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a shining example of patriotism beyond identity has emerged from West Bengal. It comes not through words but through the ultimate sacrifice of a brave son of India, reported the India Today.
Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh, a 28-year-old soldier from Patharghata village in Nadia district’s Krishnanagar area, was martyred on April 24 during a counterterrorism operation in the dense forests of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. A member of the elite 6 PARA (Special Forces) of the Indian Army, Shaikh laid down his life fighting militants, embodying a spirit of valour that transcends religion, region, and economic status.
The operation, based on specific intelligence inputs about terrorist movement in the Dudu-Basantgarh area, led to a fierce encounter in which Shaikh sustained fatal injuries. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps saluted his “indomitable courage” while Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi paid rich tributes, stating that Shaikh’s “unwavering bravery and supreme sacrifice will forever remain etched in our hearts.”
Shaikh’s death has left his family shattered. He is survived by his aged parents, wife, a 12-year-old daughter, and a six-year-old son. His cousin, Nazim Shaikh, revealed the family’s poor financial condition, urging the authorities for support. Jhantu’s father is a farm labourer, and his elder brother, Afiqul Shaikh, is also serving in the Indian Army, posted in Kashmir.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally spoke to the grieving family, assuring them of all possible assistance. TMC leaders, including Tehatta MLA Tapas Saha and Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra, also expressed condolences and pride in Shaikh’s sacrifice. Mahua Moitra honoured him on social media, highlighting the courage and patriotism he displayed.
TMC leader Samirul Islam addressed the communal attempts head-on, stating, “Terrorism has no religion, and terrorists recognize no faith.” He reminded the nation that Shaikh, despite coming from a humble farmer’s family, had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Leaders across political lines echoed similar sentiments. CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim condemned the communalisation of the tragedy, emphasizing that Havildar Shaikh’s sacrifice demolishes the bigotry of those who question the patriotism of Indian Muslims.
At a time when India’s social fabric is being strained by divisive narratives, Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh’s martyrdom stands as a powerful reminder that patriotism transcends identity. As his coffin, draped in the national flag, reached his native village, the entire community mourned and celebrated his supreme sacrifice—proud of their brave son who symbolized the best of India.
Shaikh’s memory must not fade into mere statistics. It must endure as a testament to India’s secular spirit, the unity of its people, and the priceless contributions of its sons and daughters—regardless of religion, region, or rank.
