Daijiworld Media Network- Karnal

Karnal, Apr 23: The town of Karnal in Haryana plunged into mourning after the tragic news emerged that Lt Vinay Narwal (26), a young Indian Navy officer, was killed in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. What makes the loss even more devastating is that Lt Narwal was on his honeymoon with his bride Himanshi, having been married just a week ago.

The couple, full of joy and dreams for their future, had tied the knot on April 16, with a wedding reception celebrated in Gurugram on April 19. The honeymoon trip to Kashmir turned into a tragedy when terrorists opened fire at Baisaran meadows, also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’, killing at least 26 people, including Narwal.

Back in Sector-7, Karnal, Narwal’s family and friends were still distributing wedding sweets and planning a religious gathering when the news of his death struck like a bolt of lightning. “We were all so happy… now the dreams are shattered,” a grieving neighbor said.

Lt Narwal is survived by his father Rajesh Narwal, an Excise Department official, mother Asha, sister Srishti, and grandfather Hawa Singh, a retired police officer. The family originally hails from Bhusli village and had settled in Karnal around 15 years ago. Vinay completed his schooling at Saint Kabir School and earned an engineering degree from Sonepat before joining the Indian Navy three years ago. He was posted in Kochi.

As news of his sacrifice spread, condolences poured in. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini spoke to Vinay's grandfather and assured full support. Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, MLA Jagmohan Anand, and Mayor Renu Bala Gupta also visited the bereaved family.

“We have lost a braveheart and a noble son of the soil,” Speaker Kalyan said. “This tragedy has shaken the nation,” added MLA Anand.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, expressing sorrow on social media, said:

“The Navy Chief 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 said it stands in solemn solidarity with the victims’ families and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured.

As Karnal reels from the immense grief, Lt Narwal’s sacrifice will be remembered as a painful yet proud reminder of the bravery and commitment of India's armed forces—even in the most personal moments of their lives.