‘Unfortunate’: NCW backs Lt Vinay Narwal’s wife Himanshi amid online trolling after Pahalgam attack

NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has voiced support for Himanshi Narwal, wife of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal who was among those killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam. The commission emphasised that targeting a woman for her personal views or lifestyle choices is inappropriate.
After the April 22 incident near Pahalgam in south Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, predominantly tourists, Himanshi Narwal had appealed to the public not to direct hostility towards Muslims and Kashmiris.

"We do not want people going after Muslims and Kashmiris," she said on Thursday.
Her statement subsequently led to significant backlash on various social media platforms.
The NCW issued its response on X, expressing disapproval of the online harassment she has encountered.
The commission stated on X, "After the death of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, the way his wife Himanshi Narwal is being criticised on social media in relation to one of her statements is unfortunate."
Whilst acknowledging that her views might not align with public sentiment, the commission stressed that dissent should remain within constitutional boundaries and maintain civility.
The revelation that Lieutenant Narwal was fatally shot after being questioned about his faith during the Pahalgam incident has triggered widespread indignation across the nation.
The NCW acknowledged the nation's collective anguish over the terrorist act but cautioned against directing animosity towards Himanshi Narwal, stating: "It is not right to troll a woman on the basis of her ideological expression or personal life."
The commission concluded by emphasising the importance of preserving every woman's dignity and called for measured responses even during periods of national distress.