Shoaib Pathan
Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir –
In a heartfelt tribute to valor and sacrifice, the administration of Jammu and Kashmir has renamed the Main Chowk in Baramulla as ‘Bindaas Chowk’, commemorating the extraordinary courage of Constable Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, affectionately known as Bindaas.
A Hero’s Background
Hailing from the border town of Uri in Baramulla district, Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, aged 32, served as a constable in the Jammu & Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG). Known for his fearless demeanor, he earned the nickname Bindaas among his peers and community.
The Fateful Encounter
On May 25, 2022, acting on intelligence inputs about the movement of foreign militants, security forces established checkpoints in the Najibhat area of Kreeri. During the operation, Mudasir displayed unparalleled bravery by confronting and neutralizing three Pakistani terrorists. Despite sustaining injuries, he continued to engage the militants, ultimately sacrificing his life in the line of duty.
Posthumous Recognition
In recognition of his gallantry, Mudasir was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards. The award citation lauded his exceptional bravery and dedication to duty.
Inauguration of ‘Bindaas Chowk’
On November 22, 2022, the Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh, officially inaugurated the renamed ‘Bindaas Chowk’. A bust of Mudasir was unveiled at the site, serving as a lasting tribute to his heroism.
Family’s Pride and Grief
Mohammad Maqsood Sheikh, Mudasir’s father and a retired police sub-inspector, expressed both sorrow and pride:
“He made the nation proud by his supreme sacrifice. My son is not going to return, but we are proud of him.”
A Lasting Legacy
The renaming of the chowk ensures that Mudasir’s bravery continues to inspire future generations. The memorial stands not just as a marker of a location but as a symbol of unwavering courage and dedication to the nation.
