Andhra Govt offers job, land and honours to Agniveer killed in Pakistan shelling along LoC

In a gesture of honour and support, Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh announced a comprehensive aid package for the family of Agniveer Mudhavath Murali Naik, who was killed during intense shelling by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The 23-year-old soldier succumbed to critical injuries sustained in the cross-border fire and was laid to rest with full state honours in his native village of Kallithanda.

Lokesh, who visited the grieving family on Sunday, declared that the state government will provide Rs 50 lakh in financial aid, five acres of agricultural land, 300 yards of housing land, and a government job to a family member. The minister paid floral tributes and praised Naik’s courage, saying, “The state bows in respect to Murali Naik’s bravery. His service to the nation will not be forgotten.”

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, along with several ministers, MPs, and MLAs, also visited the family to pay their respects. The outpouring of state and public sympathy reflected the pride and sorrow that has gripped the region after the young soldier's sacrifice.

Agniveer Naik was severely injured during Pakistan’s unprovoked shelling in a reserve sector on the LoC and was declared dead at a military hospital in the early hours of Friday. His death comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with Indian forces carrying out retaliatory strikes as part of Operation Sindoor.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed condolences on social media, saluting Naik’s valour and sacrifice in defending the country.