Just Married 7 Days Ago: Young Navy Officer Among Victims of Pahalgam Terror Attack

Haryana, 23 april 2025: In a heartbreaking tragedy, 26-year-old Indian Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal from Karnal, Haryana, was killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Narwal, who had joined the Navy two years ago and was posted in Kochi, had taken leave to celebrate his wedding. He had tied the knot on April 16, and his wedding reception was held on April 19. He was visiting Kashmir for a short vacation when the attack occurred.

The terrorist attack in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including Lt. Narwal. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the defence community and his hometown. Locals described him as a bright and dedicated young officer with a promising future.

Speaking to ANI, Naresh Bansal, a neighbour of Narwal, said, “He was married just four days ago. The whole village was celebrating. Now we’re in mourning. It’s a huge loss.”

The attack has triggered nationwide outrage, with several leaders and citizens condemning the brutality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the incident, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared! Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will only grow stronger.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting after the attack and flew to Srinagar for an on-ground assessment. He assured that the perpetrators would be tracked down and punished.

In response, the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a large-scale search operation in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam to hunt down the terrorists involved.

The emotional toll of the attack is being felt across the region and the country. Candlelight marches were held in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir — including Srinagar, Baramulla, Poonch, Kupwara, and Khod village — as locals stood in solidarity with the victims.

Five tourists from Maharashtra also lost their lives in the attack. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has requested Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to arrange special flights to bring stranded tourists home. The Civil Aviation Ministry has assured full cooperation.

As the nation mourns, the memory of Lt. Vinay Narwal — a newlywed and devoted officer — stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of terrorism.