Andhra's Kallithanda village bids an emotional adieu to Agniveer Murali Naik

Hyderabad: A wave of grief swept across Kallithanda village in Gorantla Mandal of Sri Satya Sai district in Andhra Pradesh as the mortal remains of Agniveer Murali Naik arrived in his hometown on Sunday.

The young soldier, who laid down his life in the line of duty along the Line of Control in J & K on Thursday night due to Pakistan's cross-firing, was honoured with heartfelt tributes from leaders, officials, and citizens alike.

State Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and IT Minister Nara Lokesh paid their respects by participating in the final rites, which were conducted with full state honours. Minister Lokesh announced that the government would provide substantial support to the fallen soldier's family, including five acres of agricultural land, Rs 50 lakh financial assistance, a 300-yard residential plot, and a government job.

The journey of Murali Naik's mortal remains from Bengaluru to his native village was marked by tributes at every step. Thousands gathered at each village and junction along the route, bidding farewell to the brave soldier with showers of flowers. People formed a massive convoy and conducted a solemn rally with national flags.

What would typically be a 90-minute journey from Bengaluru to Kallithanda stretched into an eight-hour procession of honour. Special arrangements were made for public viewing, with two acres of land levelled to accommodate queue lines for the multitude who came to pay their final respects to the fallen hero.

Speaking with the family, Minister Lokesh urged them to remain strong, emphasising that Murali Naik's sacrifice will forever be remembered with pride and honour. "The state bows in respect to Murali Naik's bravery. His service to the nation will not be forgotten," he said.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Murali's father, Sriram Naik, became emotional upon seeing Pawan Kalyan, saying to his son's mortal remains, "See who has come; get up and salute Pawan Kalyan, sir." The poignant scene moved everyone present to tears.

"Since the funeral is being held on his own land, we have decided to also build a memorial. We will erect a bronze statue of brave soldier Murali Naik at the district headquarters and take measures to ensure that Indians look up to Murali Naik as a role model," said Lokesh.

The Sarpanch and villagers have requested that Kallithanda, the native village of Murali Naik, be renamed as Murali Naik Thanda. In response, the Minister announced they would implement this change and assured continued support for soldiers.

Murali was the only son of Mudavath Sriram Naik and Jyothi Bai, belonging to Kallithanda, both labourers working in Mumbai. Unmarried, he had joined the army as an Agniveer in 2022, completing his training in Nashik. Reports indicate he was deployed to the Line of Control just days ago following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. He served with the 851 Light Regiment of the Indian Army.