'Give strict punishment, end terrorism by any means': Grandfather of Navy officer Vinay Narwal killed in Pahalgam attack

NEW DELHI: Indian Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday while on leave with his wife. The officer's grandfather has appealed to the government for decisive action against terrorism, while naval officials and political leaders have expressed their condolences and called for strict measures against the perpetrators.
Lt Narwal, who was stationed in Kochi and had recently married, was visiting Pahalgam when terrorists opened fire. His wedding reception had taken place just four days earlier on April 16.

"We request that the government give such people (attackers) strict punishment and end terrorism by any means necessary," said Hawa Singh, Lieutenant Narwal's grandfather.
"He was married just a few days back; four days ago, it was his reception, and there was a celebration all over here. Today, we come to know that terrorists have killed him," said one of Narwal's neighbors.
The Indian Navy shared a statement from Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on social media platform X. "Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, and all Personnel of the Indian Navy are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lt Vinay Narwal, who fell to the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this moment of unimaginable grief."
"The Indian Navy also stands in solemn solidarity with all others who lost their lives in this heinous act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families, and we pray for the swift recovery of those injured," the Navy's statement continued.
Haryana MLA Jagmohan Anand visited the bereaved family in Karnal. "This tragic incident cannot be condemned enough... I appeal to the Prime Minister that the time has come to teach a lesson to the land from which terrorism is flourishing. PoK should be made a part of India so that the country gets the message that there is a capable government in the country... Even God will not forgive them (attackers) for such brutal murders. The people of Kashmir will also have to come out on the streets and unite against this incident because their livelihood has also been affected," he said.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini commented, "The attack is extremely unfortunate. The more it is condemned, the less it is... The government is standing with the families of those who died in this moment of sadness. I will pray to God to give a place to their valiant souls in his feet....Strict action should be taken against those who committed this heinous incident so that anyone else thinks twice before even considering doing such a thing."
The bodies of the terror attack victims were transported to the Srinagar airport, with state government representatives arriving to assist in returning the victims and tourists to their respective states.
This attack has been noted as one of the most significant since the removal of Article 370 in 2019. Security forces launched search operations on Wednesday to locate the terrorists responsible for the attack.
Security measures have been intensified in the area, with typically busy tourist streets now empty. Several organizations have called for a Jammu bandh in response to the attack.