The tragic death of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal in the Pahalgam terror attack has not only left the nation grieving but also subjected his widow, HimanshiNarwal, to unwarranted online harassment. In response, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has stepped in, offering support and urging swift legal action.
On April 22, terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, J&K, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals, including Lt. Vinay Narwal. Himanshi, a PhD student from Gurugram, was with her husband during the attack. She recounted the harrowing incident, stating that a man inquired about her husband’s religion before fatally shooting him. In the days following the tragedy, Himanshi made a heartfelt appeal for national unity, urging the public not to blame Muslims or Kashmiris but to seek peace and justice.
Amidst the outpouring of support, Himanshi faced a barrage of online trolls who targeted her with derogatory comments and baseless accusations. This not only compounded her grief but also highlighted the growing menace of cyber harassment against women, especially those in the public eye.
The NCW took immediate cognizance of the situation. Drawing from its mandate under Section 10 of the NCW Act, the Commission advocated for stringent legal action against the perpetrators. They urged the Delhi Police to file an FIR and ensure a prompt investigation, citing violations under Section 79 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Furthermore, the NCW has emphasised the importance of online platforms taking responsibility for content moderation and ensuring that such harmful material is swiftly removed. They have also highlighted the availability of their 24×7 helpline, 7827-170-170, to assist women in distress and guide them through the legal process.
The incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive digital safety measures. In collaboration with institutions like Hidayatullah National Law University, the NCW has been actively engaging in discussions on cyber laws and women’s safety, aiming to bridge gaps and enhance protections in the digital realm.
While the nation mourns the loss of a brave officer, it is imperative to stand against the online vilification of his widow. The NCW support serves as a reminder that justice and dignity must prevail, both offline and online. As legal proceedings unfold, it is hoped that such incidents will catalyse stronger safeguards for women in the digital age.
According to KhairUllNissa Sheikh, a Global Business Leader, with over a decade of experience on the global World Trade Centers Association, “As a Kashmiri Muslim woman who has walked through war zones, boardrooms, refugee camps, and peace forums across the world, I say this without hesitation: from the Middle East to Manhattan, from Srinagar to Tokyo, whether through terror, trauma, or tradition, women are always the ones left bleeding, grieving, and then shamed. I am haunted by the image of the slain Navy officer’s young wife, sitting beside her husband’s lifeless body. I wanted to hold her. Shield her. Warn her of what was to come. The bullets had stopped, but the cruelty was only beginning – shameless trolling, vile accusations, indecency, online abuse – not from strangers, but from own people, own country. How did we fall so low that a grieving widow became a target? And by her own countrymen? That wound runs deeper than the one that took her husband.
“In moments like these, institutions like the NCW must rise, not just as statutory bodies, but as the moral conscience of the nation. They must act, not only to condemn, but to deliver justice. To rally legal and emotional support systems with civil society, with governments. NCW must swiftly identify and prosecute online abusers, activate cyber cells, and work with social media platforms to take down defamatory content. It must mobilise mental health and legal aid resources in partnership with women’s rights organisations, legal clinics and digital safety groups like Cyber Peace Foundation…,” added Nissa.
Sajid Nomani, who works with anMNC, “The online trolling of a slain Navy officer’s wife has rightfully drawn public outrage, exposing the inhumanity and insensitivity prevalent on digital platforms. Targeting a grieving woman – whose husband died in service to the nation – is not only morally reprehensible but also indicative of the growing menace of cyberbullying. Such conduct demands stronger cyber laws and greater platform accountability.
“This incident reflects a disturbing trend of politicising grief and targeting the bereaved with hate. As a society, we must uphold empathy and dignity – particularly for the families of national heroes. While the NCW’s swift response is appreciated, long-term solutions require stricter legal frameworks and stronger institutional collaboration. This case serves as a stark reminder of our collective responsibility to foster a more respectful and compassionate online environment – one that mirrors the values we aspire to uphold in real life,” said Nomani.