We don’t target Muslims: Pahalgam widow’s solemn appeal

Heartbroken but determined, Himanshi stood before the crowd, barely days after her husband’s death. Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal was among 26 killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

On his 27th birthday on Thursday, Himanshi overcame her pain and made an emotional appeal for peace and unity at a blood donation camp organised in his memory.

“We do not target Muslims and Kashmiris. We want peace,” she told the gathering, while demanding justice for her husband. “Those involved in this attack must be given exemplary punishment.” Vowing to continue his legacy, she added, “I will follow the path of serving the nation that he showed me.”

At least 218 persons donated blood at the camp, while nearly 100 others had to return due to time constraints. Organised by Lt Narwal’s family in collaboration with the National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists (NIFAA) and other groups, the event drew donors from Hisar, Bengaluru, Delhi, Kurukshetra, Panipat and Ludhiana.

Lt Narwal’s sister Srishti expressed gratitude to participants, calling the initiative a way to “save lives and honour his memory”. She affirmed her faith in the government, stating, “They are doing their job and we trust the system.”

The family, including Lt Narwal’s parents Rajesh and Asha Narwal, maternal uncle Pawan Dahiya and wife Himanshi, donated blood alongside others. Emotions ran high as local leaders, including Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand and Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, paid tribute. Anand, visibly moved, said, “It feels like my own daughter lost her husband,” and reiterated the government’s stance against terrorism.

NIFAA president Preetpal Singh Pannu announced an annual blood drive and a new award in Lt Narwal’s name, calling him “a promising son who could have risen to leadership in the Navy”.

Lt Narwal’s father Rajesh thanked the gathering for their solidarity, while Himanshi, who had married the Navy officer just weeks earlier on April 16, stood as a symbol of resilience, urging unity in the face of loss.

Haryana Tribune