26-Year-Old Navy Officer Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack, Days After Wedding
26-Year-Old Navy Officer Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack, Days After Wedding
Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir – Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer, was tragically killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, just five days after his wedding. Narwal, who hailed from Karnal, Haryana, was on leave and vacationing in Kashmir with family when the attack occurred.
According to defence officials, Lt. Narwal was posted in Kochi and had travelled to Kashmir after his marriage on April 16. A reception was held on April 19. Described as a dedicated and bright officer, Narwal had joined the Navy two years ago and was widely respected among peers and superiors.
His sudden death has shocked his hometown and the wider defence fraternity. “He was married just four days ago, and now we’ve lost him to terrorism,” said a neighbour, Naresh Bansal. “He died on the spot.”
The terror attack, which targeted tourists in the popular Pahalgam area, claimed multiple lives, including those of five tourists from Maharashtra. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and sorrow across the country.
In response, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the casualties and has requested Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to arrange a special evacuation flight for stranded tourists. Naidu assured that once the list is received, urgent measures would be taken to bring them home safely.
Nationwide condemnation followed the attack. Candlelight marches were held in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Kupwara, and the Akhoor region. In Jammu, Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest against the killings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, offering condolences and assuring that justice will be served. “Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable… they will not be spared,” he said in a post on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review in Srinagar, involving key intelligence and security officials. A joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police is currently underway in the Baisaran area to locate the terrorists responsible.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have been placed on high alert, with enhanced surveillance at public locations and tourist spots to prevent any further threats.
Lieutenant Vinay Narwal’s death has become a symbol of both personal and national loss—cut short in service to his country, just as a new chapter in his life had begun.
