An Indian Army soldier from Andhra Pradesh, Murahari Nayak, was martyred in heavy cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir late Thursday night, May 8. The incident occurred amid heightened hostilities between India and Pakistan following India’s recent military response under Operation Sindoor.
22-Year-Old Jawan Dies Along LoC
Nayak, a native of Gorantla Mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district, was engaged in a frontline counter-terror operation when the Pakistan Army launched intense artillery and mortar fire in violation of the ceasefire. He sustained critical injuries and succumbed while efforts were being made to airlift him to a military hospital in New Delhi.
The 22-year-old jawan, who joined the Indian Army in October 2022, was known for his courage and unwavering commitment to the nation. He was unmarried and is survived by his parents, who are farmers. News of his death has plunged his village into mourning, with residents expressing deep sorrow and immense pride in his sacrifice.
Local officials have announced that Nayak’s mortal remains will reach his hometown on Saturday, and preparations are underway for a funeral with full military honours. The district administration is coordinating with the Army to ensure a respectful farewell.
Former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said, "Deeply pained by the martyrdom of our brave Telugu Jawan, Murali Nayak, from Penukonda, Satyasai district, in the India-Pakistan battlefield in J&K. His supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire us. My heartfelt condolences to his family. We stand with them in this hour of grief."