Overview

• Army Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, a 6 Para Special Forces commando, was killed during a counter-terror operation in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 24.
• His funeral in Tehatta, West Bengal, saw thousands of villagers, officials, and family members paying their respects, with his elder brother leading the final procession.
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences and pledged support to Sheikh's grieving family, who demanded justice and a strong response to terrorism.
• Sheikh's sacrifice was honored with ceremonial tributes at multiple locations, including Kolkata airport and his native village, where the national flag was handed to his widow.
• Calls for national unity resonated during the funeral, with mourners emphasizing a soldier’s allegiance to the nation above religious or community divisions.