The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly condemned the online abuse directed at Himanshi Narwal, wife of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who lost his life in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
After the incident, Himanshi appealed to people not to spread hate against Muslims or Kashmiris, promoting peace and unity. However, her message triggered a wave of trolling on social media.

Standing by her, the NCW said it is deeply unfortunate that she is being attacked for voicing a message of compassion and harmony, and emphasized that such reactions are completely unacceptable. According to reports, several civilians were killed in the attack. Lieutenant Narwal was among those asked about their religion before being shot, a detail that has deeply shocked and angered the nation.

After his death, Himanshi Narwal appealed for peace, urging people not to spread hate against any community. Her statement led to trolling and personal attacks on social media. In a post on X, the NCW said, “The way Himanshi Narwal is being targeted is extremely condemnable and unfortunate. Targeting a woman for her opinion or trolling her personal life is completely unacceptable. Disagreements must be expressed respectfully and within constitutional limits.”

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar also shared a message on X, saying that even if some people disagree with Ms Narwal’s views, it is not right to personally attack or troll her for expressing them. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every woman.

Just days after their wedding, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and his wife Himanshi Narwal were on their honeymoon in Kashmir when a terror attack in Pahalgam took the life of the 26-year-old Navy officer, along with 26 other people.
A heartbreaking photo of Himanshi sitting beside her husband’s body, still wearing her wedding chooda, touched hearts across the country.

The attack led to outrage on social media, with some people spreading hatred against Kashmiris and Muslims. In her first public statement, Himanshi asked people to remain calm and not spread hate.“I only ask the country to pray for Vinay. I hope he has found peace. But I’m also seeing growing hatred towards Muslims and Kashmiris. We don’t want this. We only want peace,” she said.

She also demanded justice for her husband and others killed in the attack. However, her message of peace led to online abuse and trolling. Some people made personal comments and even said she shouldn't receive her husband’s pension. Despite the hate, many people supported Himanshi and asked the authorities to take action against those attacking her online.