Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 5: Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women and National Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, has strongly denounced the online abuse targeting Himanshi Narwal, the grieving wife of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a Navy officer killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Lieutenant Narwal, a 26-year-old from Haryana’s Karnal, was one of the victims of the brutal assault that left the nation in shock. Reports suggest he was singled out by the terrorists and executed after being asked about his religion—an act that has triggered widespread outrage and sorrow.

In the days following the attack, Himanshi Narwal became the target of online harassment after publicly expressing her pain and advocating for peace. Her statements, urging the nation not to respond with hatred toward Muslims or Kashmiris, drew both praise and backlash on social media.

Rahatkar, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), condemned the digital attacks on Himanshi. “It is deeply disheartening to witness character assassination of a woman who is already bearing the weight of immense personal loss,” she said. “While emotions run high in the wake of such tragedies, our responses must uphold constitutional values and human dignity.”

She emphasized that no one should face vilification for expressing grief or ideological beliefs, particularly in such vulnerable moments. “The honour of every woman must be safeguarded, irrespective of her views,” Rahatkar added.

Lieutenant Narwal and Himanshi were on their honeymoon in the picturesque town of Pahalgam when the terror attack occurred. The young officer was shot at close range, his death marking a tragic end to what should have been the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Breaking her silence on Thursday, Himanshi delivered a heartfelt message to the nation, asking for prayers for her late husband and advocating unity over division.

“I want everyone to pray for Vinay, that he has found peace,” she said. “But I also see growing hatred—toward Muslims, toward Kashmiris. This is not what we want. We want peace, only peace.”

Alongside her call for harmony, she made an emotional appeal for justice, demanding that those responsible for her husband's death be held accountable.