Karnal Naval Officer Among Victims in Kashmir Terror Massacre

Celebrating Honeymoon After 5 Days Of Marriage, Navy Officer Killed In Pahalgam Attack

An Indian Navy officer on his honeymoon was shot dead in a confirmed terrorist attack targeting Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities said, marking a deadly escalation in violence in the disputed region.

Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, 26, had recently married and was visiting Pahalgam, a popular hill resort, with his wife Himanshi when the attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon. Narwal, posted in the southern port city of Kochi, died on the spot. His wife was unharmed.

Indian officials confirmed that the attack was carried out by armed militants operating in the region and was part of a pattern of violence specifically aimed at Hindu civilians and tourists. The attackers opened fire on the couple's vehicle, killing Lt. Narwal and injuring others nearby.

The killing has drawn widespread condemnation. In his statement, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi said the force was "deeply saddened by the loss of Lt. Vinay Narwal, who fell to a cowardly terror attack while on leave with his family."

Narwal’s death has sent shockwaves through his hometown of Karnal in the northern state of Haryana, where neighbors were still celebrating his wedding days earlier. “We had just hosted the reception and were planning a religious gathering. Now, everything is shattered,” said a family friend.

Lt. Narwal is survived by his parents, Rajesh and Asha Narwal, his sister, and his grandfather, a retired police officer. His last rites will be held in Karnal on Wednesday evening.

Jammu and Kashmir has long been the center of conflict between India and Pakistan, with frequent militant attacks disrupting civilian life. Security forces have launched a search operation in the region to track down those responsible.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Indian authorities have linked it to Pakistan-based militants active in the Kashmir Valley.