April 25, 2025, Nadia (West Bengal) [India]: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has extended her condolences and support to the family of Havaldar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, a soldier from the 6 Para special forces, who was killed in a militant attack in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 24. Ali Sheikh was fatally wounded during an encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur, in which two of his colleagues were also critically injured.
In a compassionate gesture, Mamata Banerjee personally called Nazim Sheikh, the cousin of the fallen soldier, around 1 pm on Friday. The two spoke for approximately 12 minutes, during which the Chief Minister offered her heartfelt condolences and assured the family of her full support during this difficult time. Banerjee also provided a direct line of communication, urging the family to reach out to her whenever needed.
The encounter in Udhampur was initiated following specific intelligence inputs, prompting a joint operation between the security forces of Jammu and Kashmir. A fierce firefight ensued, resulting in the loss of Ali Sheikh’s life despite efforts to save him.
In a separate development, security forces launched a search operation in the Bandipora district on Friday in the wake of the ongoing terror threat. The operation focused on the Kulnar Bazipora area, following heavy exchanges of fire between security forces and terrorists on April 23 in Baramulla. During that operation, two terrorists were eliminated, and weapons and ammunition were seized.
Meanwhile, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar to assess the security situation in the region. His visit follows a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that left 26 people dead. General Dwivedi is expected to meet senior army commanders and officials from other security agencies to review the ongoing situation and the Army’s preparedness in the valley, particularly with regards to attempts by the Pakistan Army to violate the ceasefire along the Line of Control.
The tragic attack in Pahalgam has sparked nationwide protests, with calls for stronger action against Pakistan in the wake of the violence.
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