New Delhi

Indian Army Jawan Rafiqul Sheikh, brother of deceased Havaldar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, who was martyred in an anti-terrorist operation in Udhampur, J&K, touched the hearts of millions of people as he said, “My first responsibility is towards the nation. My brother sacrificed his life, and though I was advised to visit my family, my nation comes first.”

The body of Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, India's first martyr in action against terrorists after the Pahalgam massacre, reached his home in Nadia district of West Bengal. His father told journalists: "My son proved with his life which side we (Muslims) are on in this war."

#WATCH || Army Jawan Rafiqul Sheikh,brother of deceased Havaldar Jhantu Ali Sheikh who lost his life in Udhampur encounter says,“At first my responsibility is towards the nation. My brother lost his life and my seniors told me to visit my family. My nation is first for me and… pic.twitter.com/mQdCEe4HSr

— KNS (@KNSKashmir) April 26, 2025

His body was brough in a decorated Military truck to his home for burial. All ranks of BSF Jammu salute the supreme sacrifice of  Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh of 6 Para SF, who made the supreme sacrifice during a counter terror operation. BSF Jammu salutes his indomitable courage and expresses its deepest condolences.

Patharghata, Nadia, West Bengal today will salute Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh of 6 Para SF as his mortal remains return home. Havildar Jhantu Sheikh a muslim by religion fought bravely against Islamic militants in Kashmir to protect and keep India safe. Bengal is proud of its son… pic.twitter.com/fGCESopUg2

— Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay (@SanghamitraLIVE) April 26, 2025

Subedar Rafiqul Sheikh who attended his brother’s funeral in his uniform said, “My Nation comes first than my family. I will perform the last rites of my brother and go back to the border.”

Addressing his brother Nazam-e-Janaza, he said, Soldier has no religion:

Janaza of martyr Late Havaldar Jhantu Ali Sheikh..
Must watch for all RW radical sanghis.. pic.twitter.com/9SjHpfhxKW

— Jawaid Nawab 🇺🇸 (@javvylive) April 27, 2025

The mortal remains of Army Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh, who died in an encounter between security forces and terrorists following a search operation in J&K’s Udhampur, were taken to Nadia on Saturday for performing last rites. A gun salute was performed honouring the deceased soldier.