Rahul Gandhi meets family of Pahalgam terror attack martyr Lt Vinay Narwal in Karnal

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the family of Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal in Karnal on Tuesday, May 6, to offer his condolences. Lt Narwal was one of the 26 people killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. He was just 26 years old.

Gandhi arrived at the family’s home in Haryana around 12:45 pm and spent nearly 90 minutes with them. Most of the visit took place in private. Several senior Congress leaders, including Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda, MLA Indu Raj Narwal, Youth Congress president Divyanshu Budhiraja, and former MLAs Sumita Singh and Shamsher Gogi, were also present during the visit.

Gandhi did not speak to the media after the visit, but he later shared a message on social media platform X. He wrote that he had met the grieving family and offered them support. He praised their courage and said their strength during such a difficult time was a message for the entire country. He called for unity and justice.

Support from the Opposition

In his post, Rahul Gandhi said, “I met the bereaved family of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal ji, who was martyred in the Pahalgam attack, shared their grief and consoled them. Their courage and bravery even in the face of immense grief is a message for the country — we have to remain united.”

He added that the whole country stands with the families of the martyrs and said the opposition fully supports the government in punishing the culprits behind the attack. “They should be punished in such a way that no one dares to raise an eye towards India,” he wrote.

Later, MP Deepender Hooda shared more details of the visit. He said Gandhi first offered floral tributes to a portrait of Lt Narwal and then spoke privately with the family. Most Congress leaders present were not allowed into the room during this time.

Phone Call to Widow

Lt Narwal’s widow, Himanshi, was not present during Gandhi’s visit. She was visiting her parents in Gurugram. However, Gandhi spoke with her over the phone to express his condolences. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also spoke to the family over the phone.

A party leader who was present said that while talking to Lt Narwal’s younger sister, Srishti, Rahul Gandhi mentioned that he understood their pain, as he had lost his grandmother Indira Gandhi and his father Rajiv Gandhi to terrorist attacks.

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A Series of Visits

Rahul Gandhi had earlier visited another family affected by the Pahalgam attack in Kanpur. His Karnal visit comes at a time when Himanshi Narwal has been facing online criticism for her earlier remarks promoting peace.

In a statement last week, Himanshi had said, “We don’t want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris. We want peace and only peace. Of course, we want justice.” Following this, she was trolled on social media.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) strongly condemned the trolling. In a statement on X, the NCW said, “The way Ms Himanshi Narwal, wife of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, is being targeted on social media following her statement after his death is extremely condemnable and unfortunate. Targeting any woman by attacking her personal life or ideological expression is unacceptable in any form.”

The NCW also reminded the public that any kind of disagreement should be expressed respectfully and within the limits of the Constitution.

Demand for Action

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also condemned the trolling. He requested the current Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to take action against those responsible. Hooda said it was a matter of respect for Haryana’s daughter and for a martyr’s sacrifice.

On Sunday, a prayer meeting was held in memory of Lt Vinay Narwal in Karnal. It was attended by Suman Saini, wife of Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, as well as Assembly speaker Harvinder Kalyan and others.

The Haryana government has announced a compensation of ₹50 lakh for Lt Narwal’s family. Additionally, a government job will be given to one of his family members.

Lt Narwal’s father, Rajesh Narwal, expressed gratitude towards both the state and central governments. He said the loss of his son was unbearable, but he had faith in the system to bring justice.

Lt Vinay Narwal was posted in Kochi with the Indian Navy. He was on leave and had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir with his wife Himanshi for their honeymoon. The couple had gotten married just a week before the attack. They were in Pahalgam when terrorists opened fire.

Himanshi had bid an emotional farewell to her husband during the military ceremony. She had remembered him as a man who lived with honour and left behind a legacy of courage. Her brave farewell was praised across the country.

Nationwide Support

The entire episode has brought attention not only to the bravery of Lt Narwal but also to the dignity shown by his family, especially his young widow. The country continues to show support for the families of those killed in the April 22 terrorist attack.

Rahul Gandhi’s visit, along with statements by other leaders and actions by the Haryana government, signal a broad wave of sympathy and national solidarity. There is a growing demand for justice and stronger action against those responsible for the Pahalgam tragedy.

Despite their grief, Lt Narwal’s family has become a symbol of strength and sacrifice. The visit by top leaders and the ongoing support from citizens remind the country of the price paid by its brave soldiers — and the responsibility to stand united behind their families.