Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh

Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh hailed from Patharghata village in Krishnanagar in the Nadia district of West Bengal. Son of a marginal farmer, Shri Sabur Ali Shaikh, he displayed a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to take on challenges from an early age. Hav Sheikh grew up in poverty as the son of a farmer struggling to make ends meet. From his school days at Bara Andulia High School under Chapra subdivision in Nadia district, he stood out in school— tall, fit and fiercely patriotic. Following into the footsteps of his elder brother Subedar Rafiqur Ali Sheikh, he joined the Army in 2008. He was initially recruited into the Parachute Regiment, one of the most elite and prestigious infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Renowned for its high standards of training and its role in executing some of the most daring missions, the Parachute Regiment is home to India's para commandos, soldiers who are specially trained for airborne and special operations. Driven by a desire to serve in the most demanding combat roles, Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh volunteered for the Special Forces, a path taken only by the most physically and mentally resilient soldiers. After passing the rigorous selection process and undergoing intensive training, he was inducted into the 6 Para (Special Forces) — an elite unit of the Parachute Regiment.

The 6 Para (SF) is one of the most decorated and battle-hardened units of the Indian Army. Known for its involvement in high-risk operations, especially in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency missions, the unit plays a crucial role in maintaining national security, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and other sensitive areas. The soldiers of 6 Para (SF) are trained to operate in extreme conditions and are often deployed on missions that require stealth, precision, and rapid execution. Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh, as a part of this elite unit, stood at the forefront of India’s fight against terrorism and insurgency, embodying the highest standards of bravery, professionalism, and dedication that define the Indian Special Forces.

Operation Birli Gali (Udhampur-J&K): 24 Apr 2025

Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of the elite 6 Para (Special Forces) continued to serve with exceptional dedication and bravery during his deployment in 2025. His unit was posted in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, a region along the Line of Control (LoC) that has long been vulnerable to infiltration and militant activity. As part of a highly trained Special Forces team, Hav Shaikh was regularly engaged in counter-insurgency operations, which demanded precision, courage, and swift decision-making. The Area of Responsibility (AOR) assigned to 6 Para (SF) was known to be infested with terrorist elements, requiring constant surveillance and readiness to act on any intelligence input. In April 2025, reliable intelligence inputs indicated the presence of militants in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district. Acting swiftly on this information, a decision was taken to launch a joint search and cordon operation in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Birli Gali,” was meticulously planned and launched on the intervening night of 23rd and 24th April 2025. As per the plan, a joint team comprising commandos from 6 Para (SF) and personnel from the J&K Police moved toward the suspected location in the dense, rugged terrain of Basantgarh. Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh was an integral part of this team and was tasked with engaging and neutralizing the militants hiding in the area. As the team established the cordon and began the search operations in the early hours of 24 April 2025, they came under heavy fire from the militants, who were well-entrenched and equipped. In the fierce gunbattle that followed, Hav Shaikh exhibited remarkable bravery and presence of mind, engaging the terrorists at close range despite being under direct fire.

Tragically, during the initial exchange of fire, Hav Shaikh sustained critical injuries. Despite the best efforts of his team to evacuate him and administer emergency medical aid, he succumbed to his wounds, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh's actions during 'Operation Birli Gali' were a testament to his unwavering courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty. His sacrifice ensured the safety of his team and contributed significantly to the success of the mission. He stood tall in the face of grave danger, upholding the finest traditions of the Indian Army and the Special Forces. 

Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh is survived by his father Shri Sabur Ali Shaikh, mother, wife Smt Shahnaz, son and a daughter.