In a tragic development, Army jawan Murali Naik (23), a resident of Ghatkopar's Kamraj Nagar, was martyred in a Pakistani drone attack early Friday morning. The attack occurred around 3:00 AM near Uri in the Jammu region where he was stationed on duty.
Murali Naik, originally from Kafidanda village in Andhra Pradesh, had joined the Indian Army in 2022. His martyrdom has cast a pall of gloom over the Ghatkopar area, where he had been residing.
The drone attack comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Just two days ago, India had destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan following an attack on tourists in Pahalgam. In response, Pakistan launched multiple drone and missile attacks on various Indian border areas since Thursday night, resulting in casualties among both civilians and military personnel.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences on social media platform X, stating: "It is saddening to hear of the loss of life of a soldier named Murali Nayak from Gorantla Mandal, Penukonda Assembly Constituency, Sri Sathya Sai District in the defence of the country. Tributes to the martyr Murali Nayak, who laid down his life for the country. I express my deepest condolences to his family members."
Local organisations and political leaders have also paid tribute to the fallen soldier. ABVP Ghatkopar honored the martyr in a post on X, while BJP leader Ganesh Kunder and Congress functionary Dharmesh J. Soni expressed their condolences and prayed for strength for Naik's family.
Naik's family members currently reside in his native village in Andhra Pradesh. Further details about funeral arrangements are awaited as the nation mourns the loss of another brave soldier at the border.
