The National Commission for Women (NCW) has publicly extended its support to Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the April 22 terror attack near Pahalgam in South Kashmir. The commission has strongly condemned the online abuse directed at her and emphasized that trolling a woman over her ideological stance or personal life is unacceptable.
Himanshi Narwal became the subject of intense online criticism after she made a heartfelt appeal for peace in the aftermath of the deadly attack. Speaking at a public gathering, she urged people not to direct their anger toward Muslims and Kashmiris in response to the violence.
“We do not want people going after Muslims and Kashmiris,” she said on Thursday.
Her statement came just days after the attack, in which 26 people—mostly tourists—were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Her husband, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, was reportedly singled out and shot after being asked about his religion, a chilling detail that has deeply shaken the nation.
Despite the emotional and conciliatory tone of her message, Himanshi faced a storm of trolling on social media. Critics attacked her for her stance, questioning her motives and subjecting her to personal insults.
In a statement posted on its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the NCW condemned the nature and tone of the criticism Himanshi has faced. “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,” the NCW said.
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The commission acknowledged that her comments may not have aligned with public sentiment in a moment of national grief. However, it emphasized that any disagreement must remain within the bounds of the Constitution and be expressed through civil and respectful discourse.
The NCW noted that the country is understandably “hurt and angry” over the heinous terror attack, but added that this pain should not be redirected at a woman expressing her beliefs.
“It is not right to troll a woman on the basis of her ideological expression or personal life,” the commission said.
The statement concluded with a reminder that the dignity of every woman must be upheld, even amid emotional national moments. The NCW urged citizens to respond to tragedy with constructive and respectful dialogue, reiterating that the values of empathy, dignity, and free expression must not be compromised.
Also Read: 'We were having bhelpuri, when terrorist shot my husband'
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