Himanshi Narwal, the widow of Indian Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was tragically killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, has publicly expressed her support for India’s military response, Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as a reprisal for the attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian tourists and one local resident.

In an emotional statement, Himanshi acknowledged the government’s initiative, stating, “I am thankful to the government. I also request them to end it here. Make sure that this is just the start of the end of terrorism in this country. Make sure no one ever has to go through what I am enduring right now.” She emphasized that her late husband’s commitment to the armed forces was rooted in a desire to protect innocent lives and prevent the spread of hatred and terror.

The Pahalgam attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Five militants, reportedly armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, entered the area and opened fire on tourists. The assailants were identified as members of The Resistance Front, a faction linked to Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack was captured on video by a tourist, which subsequently went viral on social media, highlighting the severity of the incident.
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In the wake of the attack, India initiated Operation Sindoor, a series of targeted strikes on terrorist infrastructure in PoK. The operation was described by Indian officials as a “sensibly calibrated response” aimed at sending a clear message to those responsible for cross-border terrorism. The strikes were conducted at night to minimize collateral damage, focusing on known terrorist hideouts.

Vinay Narwal’s father, Rajesh Narwal, also expressed support for the operation, stating that such retaliatory measures were necessary to deter future acts of terrorism. He remarked, “I had said that such a thing (retaliatory strikes) has to be done so that no one dares to do such a cowardly act again…the strikes carried out on the terror targets will resonate in their minds forever.”

The attack and subsequent military response have sparked widespread discussions on social media and in political circles. While many have lauded the government’s decisive action, others have raised concerns about the potential for escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The international community has called for restraint and dialogue to prevent further violence in the region.

As the situation continues to unfold, the families of the victims, including Himanshi Narwal, remain in mourning. Their resilience and calls for justice underscore the profound impact of terrorism on individuals and communities. The hope is that the sacrifices made by these families will lead to lasting peace and security in the region.