'Celebrated Wedding Last Week, Now Mourn Him': Navy Officer Killed in J&K Attack

Lt Vinay Narwal, an Indian Navy officer killed in the terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam, got married last week.

(Photo: The Quint)

Inputs: Parvez Alam

Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, an officer in the Indian Navy, and his wife Himanshi arrived in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on 21 April. The couple had tied the knot just a week ago, turning a new page in their lives. But the same family and friends, who were by their side for celabrations last week, now mourn Vinay's death.

Just a day after they kick-started their honeymoon, a picture of Vinay's body with Himanshi by his side went viral on social media after terrorists gunned down at least 28 people, mostly tourists, in upper Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam.

A picture from Vinay's wedding reception on 19 April.

(Photo accesed by Faizan Mir)

In another video, Himanshi can be heard saying: "He was having bhelpuri there and a man just came and shot him. He said, 'I don't think he is a Muslim', and just fired," Himanshi said.

(Photo accessed by Faizan Mir)

“Hum bayan nahi kar sakte kitna dard hai humare dil mein. Abhi 19 tareek ko idhar reception thi aur 22 ko unke sath yeh haadsa ho gaya. (I cannot express how much agony we have in our hearts. They had their wedding reception on the 19th of April and this has happened on the 22nd)," his grandfather told the media.

Joined Navy Two Year Ago, Got married Last Week

A resident of Sector 7, Karnal, Haryana, Vinay got married on 16 April. Posted in Kochi, he had taken a short leave to spend his honeymoon with his wife in the valley. He joined the service two years ago.

While the news of his death has shaken his hometown, the family now awaits the arrival of his mortal remains.

Lt Vinay Narwal

(Photo accessed by Faizan Mir)

The Indian Navy also issued a statement offering condolences.

“Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, and all Personnel of the Indian Navy are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lt Vinay Narwal who fell to the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this moment of unimaginable grief. The Indian Navy also stands in solemn solidarity with all others that lost their lives in this heinous act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families and we pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” the statement said.

'A Lesson Must Be Taught to Pakistan': Family

Amid a rush of visitors at Vinay's Karnal home, the family now demands justice.

"I wish for Pakistan to be taught such a harsh lesson that they don’t even think of sending terrorists to India," his grandfather said.

The fallout from the attack was immediate. On Wednesday, the Kashmir valley witnessed a complete shutdown in protest, marking the first such voluntary shutdown in the region in over three decades. Kashmiri Newspapers, including Greater Kashmir and Rising Kashmir, printed blacked-out front pages as a sign of protest while grieving those who have suffered.

A militant group calling itself The Resistance Front has claimed responsibility on social media, saying the attack was in response to what they called “demographic changes” in the region.

Reacting to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, 

“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

Home Minister Amit Shah, calling the attack "dastardly," has assured, “Terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences.” Shah arrived in the region on Tuesday and has chaired a high-level security meeting. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, too, weighed in, “Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra... The families of victims deserve justice and our fullest support.”