NCW comes out in support of Pahalgam attack victim’s wife over her online trolling

By | May 5, 2025

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has stepped in to support the widow of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was a victim of the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, after she was subjected to online trolling. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, as Kirti Narwal, who lost her husband in the tragic attack, faced harassment for speaking out in favor of communal harmony and condemning the divisive narratives surrounding the attack.

Incident Overview

On April 22, 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who hailed from Shimla. The assailants, believed to be linked to the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, primarily targeted Hindu tourists, but other individuals were also affected. Although The Resistance Front initially claimed responsibility for the attack, they later retracted their statement.

In the aftermath of her husband’s death, Kirti Narwal made a statement emphasizing the need for unity and communal harmony, urging citizens to move beyond the divisive rhetoric often associated with such incidents. Her message, intended to bring people together, unfortunately led to a wave of online trolling, with some questioning her loyalty and intentions.

NCW’s Support and Response

The NCW swiftly took notice of the online abuse and issued a statement condemning the harassment. Rekha Sharma, the Chairperson of NCW, described the behavior as an assault on the widow’s dignity, highlighting that such acts undermine the sacrifices made by the families of martyrs. The NCW urged the Delhi Police to take immediate action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) against those responsible for the trolling.

Sharma further pointed out that online harassment of women is a grave violation of their dignity, which can have lasting impacts on their mental well-being. She also called on the authorities to ensure that swift legal action is taken against the offenders.

Legal Framework for Online Harassment

The NCW’s intervention also highlighted the legal provisions that protect individuals from online abuse. Two key sections of Indian law are relevant to this case:

  • Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: This provision addresses offenses intended to insult the modesty of a woman, including those committed online.
  • Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000: This law deals with the punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material electronically, with provisions for imprisonment and fines.

Under these laws, offenders can face a prison sentence of up to three years and fines for first-time offenses, with stricter penalties for repeat offenders.

Wider Impact and Public Reactions

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation across India. Political leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the public have come together to support Kirti Narwal, calling for stronger measures to prevent online abuse. Many have emphasized the importance of unity, especially in the context of the sacrifices made by the armed forces and their families.

This incident also sheds light on the challenges individuals face in the digital era when they speak out on sensitive topics. It raises the question of how to strike a balance between protecting freedom of expression and holding individuals accountable for harmful online behavior. As more people take to digital platforms to voice their opinions, the need for effective safeguards against online harassment becomes even more pressing.

Conclusion

The NCW’s swift action in supporting the widow of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal highlights the importance of protecting individuals from online harassment, particularly those who are already dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding online abuse and the need for continued efforts to promote respect and accountability in the digital space. The case stands as an example of how law enforcement and social bodies must act to ensure that online spaces remain safe for everyone, especially those who have already sacrificed so much for the nation.