Pahalgam terror attack: Navy officer’s widow faces backlash after her peace appeal

Himanshi Narwal, the widow of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a Navy officer who was among those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, has become a target of vicious trolling after she publicly urged citizens not to direct hatred toward Muslims and Kashmiris in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Advertisement

Her emotional appeal for peace, delivered after the loss of her husband just days into their marriage, drew abuse on social media.

Vinay, 26, was reportedly asked about his religion before being shot dead, along with 25 others. The brutality of the attack triggered a wave of grief and outrage across the nation. However, a disturbing narrative emerged online as some users began targeting Kashmiris and Muslims, prompting Himanshi to speak out.

“I want the entire country to pray for him (Vinay), that wherever he is, he has found peace. That is all I ask,” she said. “There is something else I wish to say. I see hatred growing, directed at Muslims and Kashmiris. We do not want this. We only wish for peace-nothing else,” Himanshi said. She also called for justice for those behind the attack.

Her words, intended to promote unity and healing, became the focus of a troll storm. Some social media users went so far as to make derogatory remarks about her personal life and questioned her right to receive her husband’s petition.

In response, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly condemned the online abuse directed at Himanshi.

“The way Himanshi Narwal is being targeted on social media for a remark is extremely condemnable and unfortunate. Targeting a woman for her opinions or trolling her about her personal life is not acceptable at all,” NCW said on X.

“Any agreement or disagreement must always be expressed decently and within Constitutional boundaries. The National Commission for Women is committed to protecting every woman’s respect and dignity,” the panel added.

Himanshi was on her honeymoon with her husband when the attack occurred.