Young soldier Murali Nayak martyred in Pakistan border shelling, Andhra Pradesh mourns

Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified this week with tragic consequences, as 25-year-old Indian Army soldier Murali Nayak was martyred in a cross-border shelling incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

A native of Kallikondla village near Bagepalli in Chikkaballapur district, Murali hailed from a humble tribal family in Pudgundlapalli Tanda, Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. The only son of daily wage labourers Sriramulu Nayak and Jyothibai, Murali joined the Indian Army in December 2022 under the AV (OPR) trade, driven by a dream to serve his country.

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His death has plunged his native village into deep sorrow, with residents mourning the loss of a brave young life. Social Welfare Minister Sumitramma visited the grieving family to offer condolences, while Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also spoke to the family over the phone, expressing his solidarity and grief.

Murali’s mortal remains are expected to arrive at Kempegowda International Airport today and will be taken to his native village via Chikkaballapur. His final rites will be conducted with full military honours tomorrow, with army representatives and state officials in attendance.

In tribute, a statue of the martyred soldier will be erected at the main junction in Gorantla. “Murali’s bravery will forever remain a symbol of pride for our state,” said Minister Sumitramma. Preparations for the statue’s installation are already underway.