Tehatta, May 7: In a powerful display of both sorrow and resolute pride, the family of slain Para Commando Jhantu Ali Sheikh of Tehatta, Nadia, has hailed the Indian Army’s “Operation Sindoor,” a late-night precision strike against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as a long-awaited act of justice. This overnight operation brought a measure of solace to the grieving family, who lauded the armed forces for their courage, resolve, and surgical precision.
“This is justice our loved ones truly deserved,” expressed the bereaved family, still grappling with immense grief. Amidst their pain, Jhantu’s father, Sabur Ali Sheikh, and his elder brother, Rafiqul Ali Sheikh, a Subedar in the Indian Army, echoed that the mission served as a firm answer to years of suffering endured by numerous innocent families. On Wednesday, the families of both Jhantu Ali Sheikh and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack from Bengal collectively praised the Indian Armed Forces for their swift and decisive response. They characterized the strike as a meticulously planned operation that delivered long-overdue justice for their lost loved ones. For them, this midnight assault was more than just strategic retaliation; it offered a glimmer of respite and dignity amidst their irreplaceable personal loss.
On April 22, in one of the most brutal terror attacks in recent times, five militants armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines opened fire on unsuspecting tourists enjoying the scenic Baisaran valley in Pahalgam. Within minutes, 26 lives were tragically lost in the chaos and bloodshed. A day later, during a counter-insurgency operation in Udhampur, 37-year-old Para Commando Jhantu Ali Sheikh of the 6SF unit, hailing from Tehatta in Nadia, was martyred in an encounter with terrorists.
As news broke on Wednesday of the late-night Indian Army assault on nine terror launch pads in Pakistan, a quiet smile, tinged with both pain and pride, spread across
the faces of Jhantu’s grieving family members. “I am very happy about the attack. I am very proud of the Indian soldiers. I have told earlier also that the Indian army would retaliate. This happened last night. My brother has been martyred. I think this strike would provide peace to the soul of my brother as well as the 26 tourists killed in Pahalgam,” said Rafiqul Ali Sheikh, a Subedar with an artillery regiment and Jhantu’s elder brother. He added, “I am also proud of the Indian Government. I want peace in the country. But at the same time, I would also feel happy to reply whenever Pakistan would try to unsettle peace in our country. Nevertheless, being a member of the Indian army, I know our soldiers are ready to face any situation being prepared to save their motherland,” reaffirming his faith in the government’s commitment to national security and justice.
Sabur Ali Sheikh, the martyred commando’s father, stood tall in his grief as he hailed the strike. “I have lost one of my sons. But there are lakhs of my sons in the Indian Army who gave a sound reply to Pakistan on Tuesday night. But my other son made me happy as they avenged the killing of my one son and murder of the tourists.” He continued, “There is no doubt that the families who lost their loved ones cannot get them back, but we wanted such an action to send a strong message to Pakistan.” The octogenarian’s voice trembled as he broke down in tears, saying, “I am happier since the Indian army demolished the terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Those who are guarding our border and tirelessly working to ensure our sovereignty, are my sons. My elder son would also join them in this endeavor soon.” However, Jhantu’s wife, Sahana Ali Sheikh, was not in a state to share her reactions, still battling to overcome her profound grief. On Wednesday, she was seen repeatedly breaking down in tears.