In the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, 26 people were killed, including an Indian Navy officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was on leave at the time. The 26-year-old officer, a native of Haryana, had recently married on April 16. Lieutenant Narwal, posted in Kochi, was one of the many innocent lives lost when terrorists opened fire on a popular tourist spot in the region.
According to ANI, Defence officials confirmed his tragic death: “One Indian Navy officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal (aged 26 years), who was posted in Kochi, has been killed in the Pahalgam attack while he was on leave. He is a native of Haryana and got married on April 16.”
A Deadly Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam
The attack, one of the most deadly in Kashmir since the Pulwama strike of 2019, took place around 3 pm at Baisaran, a renowned meadow six kilometers from the resort town of Pahalgam. The serene meadow, known for its breathtaking views, was bustling with tourists when terrorists emerged from nearby forests and opened fire.
Of the 26 victims, two were foreigners, and two were locals. Among the tourists was a family from Karnataka, who tragically lost loved ones during the attack. Manjunath Rao, a 47-year-old businessman from Shivamogga, Karnataka, was shot dead by the terrorists. His wife, Pallavi, and son, Abhijaya, survived the ordeal.
“I saw my husband shot dead by terrorists in front of our eyes,” Pallavi shared in an emotional statement to local news channels.
Another victim, Bharath Bhushan, was shot dead while his wife Sujatha and their 3-year-old son survived. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya shared the news, writing, “Just now spoke with Mrs. Sujata, a resident of Mattikere, Bengaluru. Her husband Sri Bharat Bhushan was shot dead earlier today in the terror attack. She and her 3-year-old son have survived.”
Search Operation Underway
Following the attack, the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police initiated a joint search operation in the Baisaran area, Pahalgam, and Anantnag to apprehend the attackers. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army issued a statement, assuring the public: “The search operation is currently in progress, with all efforts focused on bringing the attackers to justice.”
PM Modi Condemns the Attack, Vows Justice
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. He assured the nation that the perpetrators would be held accountable.
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured person recovers as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” PM Modi stated on ‘X’. He added, “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will get even stronger.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K LG Manoj Sinha Arrive in Srinagar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday evening to hold a crucial security review meeting. Their visit was part of the government’s immediate response to the terror attack, focusing on strengthening security and preventing further violence in the region.
The government has vowed to bring swift justice to the victims’ families and ensure that such attacks do not succeed in undermining the peace efforts in Kashmir. As investigations continue, the entire nation mourns the tragic loss of innocent lives in this senseless act of terrorism.
The Pahalgam attack has not only devastated families but also sparked widespread outrage across the nation. The Indian government’s firm response, led by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, sends a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated. As the investigation into the attack intensifies, efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice remain at the forefront of national security measures.
The nation stands united in the fight against terrorism, ensuring that such violence is met with swift and decisive action.
