‘This will haunt us forever’: Netizens mourn Pahalgam victims with viral photo

A photograph showing a woman sitting beside a dead body with a bag nearby has gone viral following the terror attack near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Though the authenticity and origin of the image remain in question, it has been widely shared across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X in the form of posts, stories, and forwards. Many netizens have linked the image to Vinay Narwal, an Indian Navy officer who died in the attack. The caption accompanying the photo, “This will haunt us forever,” has resonated deeply with online users.

Among those killed were Lieutenant Vinay Narwal from Karnal. He had recently married and was on leave, enjoying a short vacation in Kashmir.

Defence officials confirmed that the 26-year-old officer, who was posted in Kochi, had travelled to Kashmir for a short vacation after his marriage on April 16. His wedding reception was held on April 19.

Narwal had joined the Navy just two years ago and was posted in Kochi. His death has sent shockwaves through his family, community, and the defence establishment. Neighbours and locals have expressed their condolences, with many describing Narwal as a young officer with a bright future.

What happened in Pahalgam?
Terrorists opened fire on Tuesday at a well-known meadow near Pahalgam town, killing at least 28 people, most of whom were tourists. The incident is being described as the most deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the Pulwama terror strike in 2019.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy organisation of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.