Indian Army soldier M. Murali Naik martyred in cross-border shelling along LoC
Murali had recently visited home on January 6 for a short 15-day leave. His cousin recalled their last conversation on May 6 and the night before the attack.
LOCAL
A 25-year-old Indian Army soldier, M. Murali Naik, was martyred in the early hours of Friday following intense cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC). Naik, serving with the 1851 Light Regiment, succumbed to severe injuries after defending his post during a fierce exchange of gunfire. His death, which occurred between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m., was confirmed by a senior Army officer who informed his family around 6 a.m. “He was brave, fighting till the last moment,” said Ranjit Naik, Murali’s cousin, who received the heartbreaking news.
Murali, hailing from a modest background in Andhra Pradesh’s Satya Sai district, was the only son of Mudavath Sriram and Jyothibai, both daily-wage labourers. In December 2022, he fulfilled his lifelong dream by joining the Indian Army, which prompted his parents to return to their home state from Mumbai, where they had worked in the construction sector for many years to support the family.
Murali had recently visited home on January 6 for a short 15-day leave. His cousin recalled their last conversation on May 6 and the night before the attack. “He sounded different, more worried than usual,” Ranjit shared. Murali had expressed growing concern over the rising cross-border firing and his parents' safety.
An alumnus of Vigyan High School in Somandepalli, Murali was known for his cheerful demeanor and strong sense of commitment to the Army. “He loved the Army. Serving the nation gave him a deep sense of pride,” his father said.