Chandigarh: Lt Vinay Narwal, 26, an Indian Navy officer from Haryana’s Karnal city who was among the victims in Pahalgam terror attack, had got married only on April 16, last; he was on honeymoon with his wife, Himanshi, a teacher from Gurugram.
Lt Narwal, who joined the Indian Navy two years ago, was posted in Kochi and the couple had left for Pahalgam after their wedding reception on April 19, to celebrate their new beginnings.
But, They reached the hotel they had booked in Pahalgam on April 21, and the heart wrenching news about his killing came on Tuesday hitting the two families while they were still distributing sweets, leaving their dreams shattered, worlds devastated.
A pall of gloom enveloped Karnal city as the tragic news spread. Inconsolable family members, relatives and friends said how they had planned a mega event to mark the 27th birthday of Vinay, which falls on May 1.
Ironically enough, even though the couple had initially planned their honeymoon in Switzerland, the delays and issues in Visas made them change the plan and instead visit Pahalgam, a place closer home and also locally popular as ``mini Switzerland’’.
CREMATED WITH STATE, MILITARY HONOURS
Meanwhile, his body which was brought to New Delhi by air was brought to Karnal by road where he was cremated with full state and military honours Wednesday evening.
Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, paid the mark of respect by laying the wreath at the mortal remains of Lt Narwal at the IGI International Airport.
Haryana chief Nayab Saini who spoke with the family of Lt Narwal, offered his condolences and reassured them that the Haryana government stands firmly with them in their time of grief, also attended the funeral along with state party chief Mohan Lal Badoli. Punjab finance minister Harpal Cheema also attended the funeral. Haryana assembly speaker Harvinder Kalyan, local MLA Jagmohan Anand and Mayor Renu Bala Gupta also visited the family to pay their respects and attended the funeral.
Meanwhile, a multitude of apparently charged-up people from across the city, joined the funeral of Lt Narwal amid anti-Pakistan slogans rending the air, en route.
