'Joined Navy 2 Years Back, Got Married 6 Days Ago': Officer Meets Tragic End In Pahalgam, Wife Survives

Other victims were said to be from states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. At least one person from Gujarat, three from Tamil Nadu and two from Maharashtra were among the injured.

According to eyewitnesses, terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed ‘mini Switzerland’, and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking.

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As news of the terror attack targeting tourists in Kashmir spread, The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility.

NAVY OFFICER FROM KARNAL KILLED DAYS AFTER WEDDING

Lieutenant Vinay Narwal was among those killed in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.

The 26-year-old Indian Navy officer hailed from Haryana’s Karnal and had got married on April 16.

Vinay left for a trip to Kashmir with his wife, Himanshi, soon after he hosted their wedding reception on April 19.

News agency ANI quoted Defence officials and said Vinay was posted in Kochi, had travelled to Kashmir for a short vacation

He had joined the Navy just two years ago.

His death has sent shockwaves through his family, community, and the defence establishment. Neighbours and locals expressed their condolences, with many describing Vinay as a young officer with a bright future.

Speaking to ANI, one of his neighbours, Naresh Bansal, said, “He got married four days ago. Everybody was happy. We received the information that he was killed by terrorists, and he died on the spot. He was an officer in the Navy."

“He belonged to the 36th NOC and was an IT officer. Very sad day for us," one of his colleagues said.

Meanwhile, Vinay’s wife survived the attack.

As Vinay’s family remembers him, two of his photos show him in his Navy uniform.

Speaking to reporters, one of Vinay’s neighbours said, “Just three days ago, Vinay got married with great celebration. He was such a lovely boy, I live right next door."

“He did engineering and later cleared the Navy exam to become a Class One officer. They (Vinay and his wife) were planning a honeymoon in Switzerland, but since he couldn’t get leave, they went to Kashmir instead. It all happened so suddenly, like someone’s evil eye struck them. We got the news last night. I can’t imagine what his family must be going through. His twin sister and father have gone to bring him back," she said.

Also commenting on the videos of the Pahalgam terror attack, Vinay’s neighbour said, “We saw a video which showed a woman crying and saying that she pleaded the terrorists to kill her too, but they told her, ‘we are sparing you so you can go tell Modi what happened’."

Meanwhile, mourners were seen outside Narwal’s residence in Karnal.

PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK

The incident, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, sparked widespread outrage across the country, with several political leaders condemning the attack.

Residents of Jammu and Kashmir turned up for a candlelight march at several places in the state against the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on Tuesday.

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Locals in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch and Kupwara held a candlelight march while Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu held a protest against the terror attack.

Locals in the Khod village of the Akhoor area of the territory also held a candle march protest against the Pahalgam terror attack.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and said those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated that those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice. “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 person recovers as soon as possible. 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 unshakeable, and it will get even stronger," he added.

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