Mumbai: Ghatkopar Mourns Martyrdom of Army Jawan Murali Naik in Pakistani Drone Attack
Mumbai: Ghatkopar Mourns Martyrdom of Army Jawan Murali Naik in Pakistani Drone Attack
Mumbai, May 9 — A pall of grief has descended over Ghatkopar’s Kamraj Nagar after Army jawan Murali Naik (23) was martyred in a Pakistani drone attack along the Line of Control (LoC) near Uri in Jammu and Kashmir early Friday morning.
Naik, originally from Kafidanda village in Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Sathya Sai district, was stationed near the border when the attack took place around 3:00 AM. He had joined the Indian Army in 2022 and had been living with his family in Ghatkopar.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Following a recent strike by Indian forces on terrorist bases in Pakistan in retaliation for an attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Pakistan reportedly launched a series of drone and missile strikes along the border since Thursday night. These attacks have caused multiple casualties, including among Indian armed forces personnel.
Murali Naik’s sacrifice has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum. Local organisations, including the ABVP Ghatkopar, paid homage to the fallen soldier on social media. BJP leader Ganesh Kunder and Congress functionary Dharmesh J. Soni also extended condolences to Naik’s family and prayed for their strength during this difficult time.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu took to X to express his sorrow: “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 who laid down his life for the nation.”
Naik’s family currently resides in his native village in Andhra Pradesh. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced as the country joins in mourning the young soldier’s ultimate sacrifice.
