How Did Andhra Pradesh Honor the Martyrdom of Soldier M. Murali Naik?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Community Support: Hundreds came together to honor the martyred soldier.
- Government Assistance: Significant financial and land support announced for Naik's family.
- Military Honors: Full military honors were accorded during his funeral.
- Legacy: A bronze statue will commemorate his sacrifice.
- National Unity: The event highlights the community’s respect and support for armed forces.
Amaravati, May 11 (NationPress) Hundreds gathered on Sunday to give a heartfelt farewell to Army jawan M. Murali Naik, who tragically lost his life during cross-border firing from Pakistani forces along the Line of Control.
The final rites for the Agniveer were performed with full military honors in Kallithanda village of Gorantla mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district, attended by Andhra Pradesh ministers including V. Anitha, Savitha, Nara Lokesh, and Satya Kumar, along with Army officials.
A gun salute and the ceremonial draping of the tricolor symbolized the somber tribute paid to this fallen hero.
Lokesh, the son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, participated as one of the pallbearers in the procession.
Family, friends, and politicians from various parties, along with villagers, police, and civil officials, united to bid farewell to this valiant soldier.
Attendees chanted slogans of ‘Murali Naik amar rahe’ and expressed solidarity with the armed forces.
After laying a wreath, Lokesh saluted the martyred soldier and offered comfort to his grieving family.
He took charge of the funeral arrangements, ensuring everything was in place.
Earlier, the state government announced a compensation of Rs. 50 lakh for Murali Naik’s family.
Additionally, five acres of land and a 300 square yard house site were allocated, alongside a promise of a job for a family member.
These announcements were made by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan after he paid his tributes in the morning.
The Jana Sena leader also pledged Rs. 25 lakh in assistance for the family.
He honored the martyred soldier with a wreath and consoled the family of the brave 25-year-old.
Pawan Kalyan assured the family that both state and Central governments would provide all possible support.
He mentioned that a bronze statue of Murali Naik would be erected in the district headquarters.
The mortal remains of Murali Naik arrived home on Saturday, first landing at Bengaluru Airport, where BC Welfare Minister S. Savitha received it.
Subsequently, the slain soldier's body was transported to Gorantla in a military convoy, during which hundreds of individuals paid their respects by showering flower petals.
Murali Naik, an Agniveer, was martyred during the firing by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on the night of May 8.
Hailing from a modest agricultural family in the tribal hamlet, Naik was stationed at the tense LoC when the Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire, launching heavy artillery and mortar attacks following India's Operation Sindoor.
He was the only son of Mudavath Sriram Naik and Mudavath Jyothi Bai, both employed as agricultural laborers in Gorantla mandal.