Mhow: In a poignant display of the Indian Army’s famed ‘esprit de corps’ and brotherhood, soldiers of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) stood in for their martyred comrade, Sepoy Ishmail Khan, during his sister’s wedding, lifting the traditional ‘Doli’ (Palanquin) at his house, leaving the family deeply moved.
Sepoy Ishmail Khan made the ultimate sacrifice during ‘Operation Sindoor’, the Indian Armed Forces’ swift and decisive counter-terror operation launched in May 2025 in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. His regiment ensured that his younger sister, Iltaja, did not miss the traditional presence of her brother on one of the most important days of her life.
Retired Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, former Director General of Military Operations, shared the heart-warming episode on social media, highlighting the extraordinary bond that defines the Indian Army. “At the wedding of Ishmail Khan’s sister, Iltaja, his Regiment soldiers stood as brothers in his place to lift the Doli,” he posted. “The family and relatives were amazed, saying that even one’s own kin would not do so much.”
Eyewitness accounts from the family describe the moment as profoundly emotional. When the time came for the ‘Doli’ to be carried, soldiers from the unit stepped forward, shouldering the responsibility with quiet dignity and pride. The family, belonging to a Muslim household in the Kashmir Valley, reportedly expressed astonishment at the depth of camaraderie, remarking that such selfless support often surpasses blood relations.
This incident underscores a long-standing tradition within the Indian Army, where units function as extended families. Across regiments, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, soldiers routinely support the families of those who fall in the line of duty. From helping with education and marriages to providing lifelong welfare, the institution ensures that the sacrifice of a soldier does not leave his near and dear ones isolated.
Operation Sindoor itself saw the Indian Army neutralise multiple terror launch pads and infrastructure across the Line of Control. While the nation honoured its martyrs with full military honours, stories like that of Sepoy Ishmail Khan and his regiment remind citizens of the human cost behind every counter-terror success and the unbreakable bonds forged in service.
In an era where divisive narratives often dominate public discourse, such acts of regimental brotherhood serve as powerful reminders of the Army’s secular, inclusive, and deeply humane character. For Iltaja and her family, the soldiers did more than carry a ‘Doli’, they reaffirmed that a soldier’s family is never left alone. Army remains not just the guardian of the nation’s frontiers, but also the steadfast protector of its fallen comrades’ legacies.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
