When bullets were fired on the border, Agniveer Murali Naik did not look back. While fighting terrorists on the LOC of Jammu and Kashmir, he put his life at stake and attained martyrdom. This 22-year-old youth proved that patriotism does not see age, but passion. When his body reached Kallithanda village in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, there was silence in the streets of the village and tears in the eyes.

VIDEO | Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) meets family members of Army jawan Murali Naik, who laid down his life during the cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, in Sri Sathya Sai district.

(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/199mP8bjSe

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It was my childhood dream to join the army

Murali Naik was born on 8 April 2002. From a young age, he dreamed of joining the army and doing something big for the country. In December 2022, he joined the Indian Army under the Agneepath scheme. After six months of rigorous training in Nashik, he served in Assam and then was posted in Punjab. The sacrifice he made in this short journey of service has become immortal.

The village is in mourning, but pride is carried on the shoulders

When his body reached the village, every street, every face was seen chanting his name. Not only the villagers, but also state ministers, MPs and other public representatives were present at the last farewell. Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh himself reached there and paid floral tribute and met Murali's family and consoled them. He said, "The state salutes the bravery of Murali Naik - his valor can never be forgotten."

No status of 'martyr', but equal respect

The martyrdom of Agniveer Murali Naik has raised a big question—will Agniveers also get the status of 'martyr'? As per the current government policy, Agniveers are not technically declared martyrs, as the term is not defined in government documents. Nevertheless, Agniveers who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty are given full military honours and compensation, which is equal to a regular soldier.

What assistance will the family get?

The following assistance will be provided to the family of Murali Naik under the Agneepath Scheme by the government:

• Life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh
• One-time ex-gratia of ₹44 lakh
• Service fund of ₹10-12 lakh (including interest)
• Salary for remaining tenure around ₹13 lakh

Along with this, the family will also be given help in social security and rehabilitation.

PC:Punjab Kesari