Young Navy Officer Killed in Pahalgam Attack, Just Days After Wedding

Indian Navy officer Vinay Narwal, 26, was among those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, just six days after his wedding. On leave from duty in Kochi, he had traveled to Kashmir for a short vacation. His death has stunned his hometown and highlighted the human toll of the heinous attack.

Among the 26 civilians killed in the Pahalgam terror attack was 26-year-old Indian Navy officer Vinay Narwal from Haryana’s Karnal, who had been married only six days earlier. Narwal, posted in Kochi, was on leave to celebrate his wedding and had traveled to Kashmir for a short honeymoon when he was gunned down in the brutal assault at Baisaran meadow.

The attack, which took place on April 22, targeted unarmed civilians enjoying the tourist season in the scenic region. Narwal’s death has deeply shaken his family, friends, and community back in Haryana. Described by neighbors as a bright and dedicated young officer, Narwal had joined the Navy two years ago and was seen as a rising star in the armed forces.

According to defense sources, Narwal’s wedding was held on April 16, followed by a reception on April 19. Just days later, he became one of the victims of what is being called one of the deadliest civilian terror attacks in Kashmir in recent history.

Eyewitness accounts from the attack describe a terrifying ordeal, with reports stating that terrorists asked victims to recite Islamic verses before opening fire. This included Pune-based businessman Santosh Jagdale, who was killed in front of his daughter after failing to comply.

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The nation remains in mourning, with candlelight vigils being held in multiple parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, Poonch, and Kupwara. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned early from Saudi Arabia to oversee the response and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. The attack has sparked global condemnation, with leaders from the US, Russia, and UK expressing solidarity with India.