Hyderabad: A poignant farewell was witnessed in the Kallithanda village, Sri Sathya Sai district, as Indian Army Agniveer Murali Naik was buried with state honours. The 22-year-old warrior who met his death during a cross-Line of Control operation in Jammu and Kashmir wasn’t just mourned as a braveheart, but as a son, brother, and a representative of courage.
The town ground to a halt as the hundreds gathered there—family and friends, neighbours and officials—gathered to pay their respects one last time. Emotion was running high as the casket of the young soldier, covered in tricolours, came, followed by a blanket of crying eyes and silent salutes. For many, this was not merely a loss—it was a reminder of the cost incurred by those who stand at the frontlines.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nara Lokesh were among the leaders who went to the extent of offering their condolences to the bereaved family. On behalf of the state, they announced a comprehensive support plan and assured the family that they would be looked after in all possible ways.
Minister Lokesh personally consoled the martyr’s parents, while fellow ministers Anagani Satya Prasad, Vangalapudi Anitha, and Savita joined MPs and MLAs in remembering Murali Naik’s courage. They laid wreaths and spoke of his valour in defending the nation.
Murali Naik had joined the Indian Army in 2022 under the Agnipath recruitment scheme. After completing over two and a half years of service, he was stationed in Nashik. Following Operation Sindhoor, he was deployed to Jammu & Kashmir. There, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, India and Pakistan saw renewed cross-border firing. It was in the Rajouri sector, during one such exchange, that the young martyr laid down his life for the country.
The Andhra Pradesh government announced an ex-gratia of ₹50 lakh to the martyr’s family. It also approved a plan to install a memorial in his native village to honour his sacrifice. Additionally, the family will be allotted five acres of agricultural land and a 300-square-yard residential plot. One family member will be offered a government job, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan confirmed.
Beyond the state’s support, the Deputy CM also declared ₹25 lakh from his personal funds as additional financial aid to the martyr’s family. He said he stood ready to offer whatever further help the family of the Veer Jawan might need and expressed his commitment to supporting all families of fallen soldiers.
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• సొంత నిధుల నుంచి మరో రూ. 25 లక్షల సాయం ప్రకటించిన శ్రీ పవన్… pic.twitter.com/NJltlPkIBU
— JanaSena Party (@JanaSenaParty) May 11, 2025