Lieutenant Narwal, 26, was on his honeymoon in Kashmir after getting married on April 16. The young naval officer from Haryana lost his life in a brutal terrorist ambush that has sparked national outrage.
Karnal / Pahalgam | April 23, 2025:
In a heart-wrenching tragedy, 26-year-old Indian Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who had been married just five days ago, was among the victims killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The officer, originally from Karnal, Haryana, was on leave and visiting Kashmir for his honeymoon when terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Anantnag district.
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Vinay had joined the Indian Navy just two years ago and was posted in Kochi. His wedding reception was held on April 19, and the couple had set off for a short vacation soon after. His sudden death has devastated his family and sent shockwaves through his hometown and the armed forces community.
“He was married just a few days ago. We were all celebrating. The news of his death is beyond shocking,” said Naresh Bansal, a neighbour, while speaking to ANI.
The incident occurred in the Baisaran area near Pahalgam, where tourists were ambushed. In addition to Lt Narwal, five other tourists from Maharashtra were also killed. The terrorists reportedly targeted Hindu tourists, leaving women and children alive in several cases.
Nation Reacts With Outrage
The attack has triggered widespread anger and grief. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will only get stronger.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately flew to Srinagar and chaired a high-level security review. He assured that those responsible for the cowardly attack would not be spared.
Candlelight marches were held in Srinagar, Poonch, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Jammu, as locals and activists demanded swift justice.
Evacuation and Support Initiatives
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde requested a special evacuation flight for stranded tourists. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu responded, assuring action once the list of affected tourists is shared.
Meanwhile, security forces have launched combing operations across the forests of Baisaran to track down the attackers.
Vinay Narwal’s bereaved family in Karnal awaits the return of their son’s body. His mother, unaware of the full extent of the tragedy, has only been told that he was injured.
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terrorism, pahalgam terror attack, vinay narwal, indian navy officer killed, newlywed killed, kashmir attack, national security, modi on terrorism, amit shah security meeting, india news