The National Commission for Women (NCW) has extended its support to Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The NCW strongly condemned the online abuse Himanshi faced after she appealed for peace and urged people not to direct hatred towards Muslims or Kashmiris in the aftermath of the tragedy.

In her first public statement since the April 22 attack, Himanshi urged the nation to pray for her late husband and called for unity and peace, asking people to avoid spreading hate against any community. Her message, however, sparked backlash on social media, with many users targeting her for her views.

Himanshi and Lieutenant Narwal had married just a week before the deadly attack that claimed 26 lives in Baisaran near Pahalgam, while they were on their honeymoon. A poignant image of Himanshi, still wearing her wedding chooda, mourning beside her husband’s body, stirred a wave of emotion across the country.

In response to the trolling, the NCW issued a strong statement on social media platform X, describing the targeting of Himanshi as “unfortunate and unacceptable.” The commission acknowledged that while people may disagree with her views, criticism should remain within the bounds of civility and constitutional principles. It emphasized that attacking a woman for her personal beliefs or statements is wrong and called for respectful, constructive dialogue even in moments of collective national grief.

Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the terror attack. Both countries have suspended several bilateral agreements, including the Indus Waters Treaty and the Simla Agreement. India has also restricted access to various Pakistani social media accounts, including YouTube channels and celebrity Instagram profiles.