Hyderabad: Following the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam, tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated. In response to the attacks, the Indian Armed Forces launched swift retaliatory strikes targeting terror camps operating from Pakistani territory. As hostilities continue, Pakistan has reportedly carried out attacks along India’s border regions, to which Indian forces are mounting a robust counter-offensive.
In the ongoing exchanges, several soldiers and civilians have lost their lives. Among the fallen is Telugu soldier Murali Naik, who was martyred in cross-border firing in Jammu and Kashmir. Murali hailed from Kalli Tanda in Gorantla mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. Officials have confirmed that his mortal remains will be brought to his native village on Friday.
Murali Naik, although born in Kalli Tanda, was raised in Naginayani Cheruvutanda of Somandepalli mandal and was educated at Vijnan School in the same region, according to locals. His death has cast a pall of gloom over the village, with residents paying homage and voicing strong condemnation against Pakistan.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the soldier’s demise. “It is tragic that Murali Naik, a soldier from Gorantla mandal of the Penukonda constituency, sacrificed his life in the service of the nation. My heartfelt tributes to the brave martyr. I extend my deepest condolences to his family,” he posted on social media.
దేశ రక్షణలో శ్రీ సత్యసాయి జిల్లా, పెనుకొండ శాసనసభ నియోజకవర్గం, గోరంట్ల మండలానికి చెందిన మురళి నాయక్ అనే సైనికుడు ప్రాణాలు కోల్పోవడం విషాదకరం. దేశం కోసం ప్రాణాలర్పించిన అమరవీరుడు మురళి నాయక్ కు నివాళులు. ఆయన కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు ప్రగాఢ సానుభూతిని తెలియజేస్తున్నాను. pic.twitter.com/QGtIAxMjug
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) May 9, 2025