Army jawan Murali Naik martyred in Pakistan firing at LoC

Jammu and Kashmir: An Indian Army jawan, Murali Naik, was martyred during intense cross-border firing by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir during the early hours of 9 May 2025.

The attack came amidst escalating tensions following India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.

Naik, 27, hailed from Kalli Thanda hamlet in Gorantla mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. He was also a resident of Kamraj Nagar in Ghatkopar East, Mumbai, where he lived after joining the Army in 2022. He succumbed to critical injuries from artillery and drone shelling while on duty near Uri. Attempts to airlift him to New Delhi for emergency treatment were unsuccessful.

Local police confirmed Naik's death to his grieving family—his parents, both agricultural labourers, reside in their tribal hamlet in Andhra Pradesh. Murali was their only son. His mortal remains are expected to arrive at his native village on 10 May for final rites.

The ceasefire violation is believed to be a retaliatory response to India’s recent airstrikes under Operation Sindoor that destroyed multiple terror camps, including Markas Taiba in Muridke—historically linked to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Condolences poured in from across the country. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow, calling Murali Naik a "martyr who laid down his life for the nation." Local political leaders and organisations in Ghatkopar also paid tribute. ABVP Ghatkopar, BJP leader Ganesh Kunder, and Congress functionary Dharmesh J. Soni acknowledged his supreme sacrifice on social media.

Naik’s death has cast a shadow of grief over both his hometown and adopted home in Mumbai. Funeral arrangements are underway, and an official ex gratia announcement is expected during CM Naidu’s visit to the region.