Don't want people going after Muslims, Kashmiris, says wife of Navy officer killed in Pahalgam; calls for peace

"We want peace, and only peace. But justice is also what we seek," says the wife of martyred Navy officer Vinay Narwal.

Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal who was one of the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir, made a heartfelt request for peace as people across the country reacted with anger and sorrow.

During a blood donation camp held on the anniversary of her husband's death in a terrorist attack, Himanshi mentioned that she held no animosity towards Kashmiris or Muslims. She strongly called for justice while also urging for peace and an end to communal conflicts.

In a video shared by ANI, Himanshi, a PhD scholar from Gurugram, said, “We don’t want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris. We want peace and only peace. Of course, we want justice.”

#WATCH | Karnal | "...We don't want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris. We want peace and only peace. Of course, we want justice," says Himanshi, wife of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. pic.twitter.com/LaOpBVe7z2

ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025

Her statement comes amid a growing number of attacks on Kashmiri students and Muslims in the country, following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The blood donation drive was arranged by the National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists (NIFAA) to honor the slain officer. Numerous people, including local leaders and residents, participated by donating blood.

Lieutenant Narwal received full military honours at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where his coffin was welcomed by his sorrowful family, Navy officials, and leaders such as Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Himanshi broke down in tears as she hugged and saluted her husband’s coffin.

Fighting back tears, she said, “Let his soul rest in peace. He lived a good life. He made us really proud, and we should continue to uphold that pride in every way."

The couple had recently married on April 16 and were spending their honeymoon in Pahalgam when the attack took place.

Narwal’s funeral took place on Wednesday evening in his hometown of Karnal, Haryana. His 21-year-old sister, Shristi, lit the pyre during the last rites as thousands gathered to pay their respects. Navy personnel offered a gun salute, while the crowd chanted “Bharat ka veer amar rahe” and “Pakistan Murdabad.”

At the cremation, Shristi, speaking to CM Saini, shared her anguish, saying, “He was alive for some time, but no one came to save him… I want them dead,” she said, referring to the terrorists responsible.

Karnal showed a sharp contrast, as the location that had recently celebrated a happy wedding was now filled with grief, with friends, family, and neighbours crying where colourful decorations had stood just days before.