Karnal (Haryana) [India]: The mortal remains of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, were brought to his hometown Karnal on Wednesday for the final rites.
The young naval officer, recently married with his wedding reception held just a week earlier on April 16, received a hero’s farewell as a large crowd gathered outside his home to pay their last respects.
Haryana MLA Jagmohan Anand visited the grieving family, offering condolences and standing in solidarity during the painful time.
Earlier in the day, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at Delhi’s Cargo Terminal before his remains were transported to Karnal. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva were present at the ceremony.
Close friends, family members, and fellow servicemen gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to the young officer. In an emotional moment, his widow stood by his coffin, inconsolable but proud of her husband’s sacrifice.
“I hope his soul rest in peace. He lived a good life. He made us really proud, and we should keep this pride in every way,” she said, her voice breaking as she tried to hold back tears.
Lt. Narwal, who was posted in Kochi, had taken leave and was visiting Pahalgam with his wife when terrorists launched a deadly attack.
“He was married just a few days back; four days ago, it was his reception, and there was a celebration all over here. Today, we come to know that terrorists have killed him,” said a neighbor, reflecting the community’s collective grief.
His grandfather, Hawa Singh, made a strong appeal to the government:
“We request that the government give such people (attackers) strict punishment and end terrorism by any means necessary,” he said in a heavy, emotional voice.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi expressed sorrow in a post shared by the Indian Navy on X:
“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.”
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also condemned the act:
“The attack is extremely unfortunate. The more it is condemned, the less it is… The government is standing with the families of those who died in this moment of sadness. I will pray to God to give a place to their valiant souls in his feet… Strict action should be taken against those who committed this heinous incident, so that no one else thinks twice before considering such a thing.”
This attack is being called one of the deadliest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Security operations have been launched across the region to hunt down those responsible.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the injured at Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag and earlier laid a wreath in tribute to the deceased in Srinagar.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed strong retaliatory measures:
“I want to repeat India’s resolve against terrorism. We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism… I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step. We will not only bring to justice the perpetrators of this act, but also the individuals behind the scenes… The accused will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country.”
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team has reached the attack site to assist local authorities in the investigation. The agency is expected to conduct a forensic analysis and identify those responsible for what is considered the most devastating civilian attack in the region in nearly two decades.