Navy officer Vinay Narwal from Karnal was on honeymoon when Pahalgam tragedy struck him

The newlyweds Vinay Narwal (26) and Himanshi, full of dreams, laughter, and love, were on their honeymoon in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, when terror struck on Tuesday afternoon. Vinay, an Indian Navy officer, was killed in a terrorist attack, leaving behind a heartbroken bride, shattered dreams, and family in grief.

A native of Sector-7 in Karnal, Lieutenant Narwal was posted in Kochi and had recently married Gurugram-based Himanshi on April 16. Their wedding reception was held just days ago on April 19. The couple had gone to Kashmir to celebrate their new beginnings. Instead, those plans were torn apart by the violence that unfolded.

The news hit the family like a thunderbolt. At the time, family members were still distributing wedding sweets to neighbors, celebrating the joyous union. “Everyone was so happy, and we were planning a ‘Mata Ka Jagran’ next month, but now, the dreams lie shattered” said a neighbor with tears in his eyes.

Lt. Narwal is survived by his father Rajesh Narwal, an employee in the Excise Department, mother Asha Narwal, sister Srishti, and grandfather Hawa Singh, a retired police officer. Originally from Bhusli village in Karnal district, the family had settled in the city about 15 years ago. Vinay completed his schooling at Saint Kabir School and later earned an engineering degree from Sonepat before joining the Navy three years ago.

A pall of gloom descended over Karnal as the heart-wrenching news spread. His father immediately left for Pahalgam, while people arrived at the residence to offer condolences.

The last rites of the 26-year-old would be performed in Karnal on Wednesday evening, family members confirmed. “Earlier, we had planned to perform the last rites in our ancestral village Bhusali, but now we have decided to cremate him at the Model Town cremation ground at 5:30 pm today,” a family member said.

Haryana CM speaks to Vinay’s grandfather

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini spoke to Vinay’s grandfather through video call and assured the family that the state stands firmly with them in this hour of sorrow. “Strict and concrete action will be taken against those behind the attack,” CM Saini said.

Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand, and Mayor Renu Bala Gupta also visited the family to pay their respects.

“We have lost a brave soldier, a son of the soil, and a fine human being,” said Speaker Kalyan. MLA Anand said, “This incident has shaken the entire country. Even the Prime Minister cut short his foreign visit to assess the situation. The government will give a befitting reply to the perpetrators.”

Mayor Gupta echoed similar sentiments and expressed heartfelt condolences to the family.

Navy chief expresses shock 

NEW DELHI: Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has expressed shock at the death of Naval officer Lt Vinay Narwal, who was among those shot dead by terrorists at Pahalgam on Tuesday.

The message of the Navy Chief, posted on social media platform X, read, “The Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi 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."

The Navy’s message said, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this moment of unimaginable grief."

The Indian Navy said it stood in solemn solidarity with all others who 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 Navy’s message said.

Haryana Tribune