NCW Condemns Online Trolling of Lt Vinay Narwal’s Widow, Urges Respectful Dialogue
After facing online abuse for urging peace in the wake of her husband’s death in the Pahalgam attack, Himanshi Narwal has received support from the National Commission for Women.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday condemned the online harassment of Himanshi Narwal, widow of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
Himanshi, who became a symbol of strength after the attack, has been subjected to abuse after she publicly appealed not to target Muslims and Kashmiris in the aftermath of the tragedy. The NCW issued a strong statement defending her right to free expression and calling the trolling “unfortunate and condemnable.”
“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 and condemnable,” the NCW posted on X.
While acknowledging that her views may not align with everyone’s sentiments, the commission emphasized that disagreements must be voiced respectfully and within the framework of the Constitution.
“Targeting a woman for her ideological expression or personal life in such a manner is completely unacceptable,” it added.
Soon after her husband’s death, Himanshi Narwal made a heartfelt plea asking people not to direct their anger at communities. While many praised her composure and empathy, a segment of users accused her of being insensitive or politically motivated.
The incident reflects the broader tensions gripping the country following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 people — including several foreign tourists — lost their lives.
The Pahalgam attack, the deadliest in the region since 2019, was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack has reignited debates around security, national unity, and communal harmony.
Several public figures, including former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, have urged calm and called for a unified response to terror rather than divisive rhetoric.
The NCW’s intervention underscores the need for a respectful public discourse even in times of national grief. The panel reiterated its commitment to ensuring the dignity of women and holding social media users accountable for abuse.
“The country is hurt and angry, but this is not the way to express it,” the commission said.
