An Indian Army soldier was martyred on Thursday in a fierce gunfight with terrorists during an anti-terror operation in the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir. The fallen hero, identified as Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of the elite 6 PARA Special Forces unit, lost his life while displaying exceptional bravery during the operation.
The encounter occurred during a cordon and search operation (CASO) launched following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the region. According to defence officials, the terrorists opened fire upon being challenged, leading to a heavy exchange of fire in which Havildar Shaikh was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries.
#GOC #WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks salute #Braveheart Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, who made the supreme #sacrifice during a counter #terror #operation.
His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten.
We stand in solidarity with the bereaved… pic.twitter.com/BzogemMct9
— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) April 24, 2025
White Knight Corps Pays Tribute
The Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps confirmed the martyrdom and paid rich tributes to the braveheart. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Corps stated:
“GOC (General Officer Commanding), White Knight Corps and all ranks salute braveheart Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, who made the supreme sacrifice during a counter terror operation. His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of grief.”
High Alert Across J&K After Pahalgam Terror Attack
The tragic incident comes just two days after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, located in Anantnag district, where heavily armed terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on a tourist bus. The attack claimed 26 lives, making it one of the deadliest terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
Among those killed were officials from multiple national agencies, including the Indian Navy, the Air Force, and the Intelligence Bureau. The attack shocked the nation and prompted swift and decisive action from the Indian government.
India’s Stern Response: Diplomatic Downgrade and Security Clampdown
In response to the Pahalgam massacre, the Indian government has taken a series of stringent measures. Following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has:
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Downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan, expelling Pakistani military attaches from New Delhi.
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Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement between the two nations that has been in place for over six decades.
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Shut down the Attari land-transit post, ceasing bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges via this key entry point.
These decisions were made in view of “strong evidence of cross-border links” to the Pahalgam attack. Intelligence agencies have reportedly traced the attackers’ communication to handlers across the Line of Control (LoC), further fueling India’s resolve to hit back diplomatically and strategically.
Security Forces on High Vigil
The CCS directed all security agencies to maintain the highest level of vigilance and intensify anti-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir. Additional troops have been deployed in vulnerable districts, including Anantnag, Udhampur, and Rajouri. Night surveillance has been ramped up using drones and thermal imaging devices.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a statement, said:
“The sacrifice of our soldiers and innocent civilians will not go in vain. We will act with full strength and resolve to dismantle terror networks operating within and across our borders.”
Public Outrage and Support for Armed Forces
The martyrdom of Havildar Shaikh and the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam have sparked widespread public outrage. Candlelight vigils, prayer meetings, and solidarity marches were held in several cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Srinagar. Citizens took to social media to express their grief and salute the bravery of the fallen heroes.
“Jhantu Ali Shaikh laid down his life so that we could live in peace. His courage inspires us to stand united against terrorism,” wrote one user on X.
Final Rites with Full Military Honours
Havildar Shaikh’s mortal remains will be flown to his native village in West Bengal where his last rites will be performed with full military honours. The Army has assured full support to the bereaved family and has pledged to honor his sacrifice.
