Chandigarh: Among the many heart-wrenching scenes from Pahalgam’s Baisaran valley, shortly after the terror attack on April 22, was that of a young woman sitting beside the lifeless body of her husband who was among 26 innocent people killed by militants.
The world of Himanshi fell apart as her husband, Indian Navy lieutenant Vinay Narwal from Haryana’s Karnal, was shot dead in front of her when they were on their honeymoon in Pahalgam, a week after getting married.
On what would have been Narwal’s 27th birthday, his widow Himanshi sounded remarkably sensible despite her grief, appealing for peace and unity even as the country is baying for Pakistan’s blood.
Seeking justice, Himanshi underlined the importance of not directing anger towards any community. “We don’t want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris. We want peace and only peace. Of course, we want justice,” said Himani, a PhD scholar from Gurugram.
A blood donation camp was organised in Karnal to mark Narwal’s birthday.
“I just want the entire nation to pray for him, that wherever he is, he remains healthy and happy,” Shivani told reporters.
Shivani and Narwal’s mother broke down as tributes were paid to the Naval officer at the blood donation camp organised by Karnal-based NGO National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists.
In a video which went viral after the Pahalgam attack, a visibly shaken Himanshi is heard saying from the incident site, “I was eating bhel puri and my husband was with me. A person came and asked if he was a Muslim. When he said no, the man shot him dead.”
The couple tied the knot on April 16, had planned to go to Switzerland for their honeymoon. But since the visa was taking too long, they settled for Pahalgam.
