Karnal (Haryana) [India], May 6 (ANI): Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met the bereaved family of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal who was killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Haryana's Karnal.

The Congress MP demanded harshest possible punishment for the culprits while exhorting opposition's support to the government.

In a social media post on X, Gandhi wrote, 'I met the bereaved family of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal ji who was martyred in the Pahalgam attack and shared their grief and consoled them. Their courage and bravery even in the midst of immense grief is a message for the country - we have to remain united. The whole country stands with the families of the martyrs. The opposition fully supports the government - the culprits should be punished in such a way that no one dares to raise an eye towards India. Today the entire nation along with the victim families is waiting for justice.'

https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1919699222003118502

Speaking to reporters, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda said that the LoP met and consoled the family members.

'...Rahul Gandhi met and consoled the family members... Our only objective was to pay tribute to Vinay Narwal,' Hooda said.

Earlier on Sunday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini's wife, Suman Saini had paid respects to the late Navy officer at a 'Shraddhanjali Sabha' organised by his family members at their residence in Karnal.

Addressing reporters after the ceremony, she said, 'Today is a deeply sorrowful day. The family lost their beloved son, and I pray to God to give them strength. The terror attack of April 22 is beyond condemnation. The entire nation mourns this loss.'

Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and a government job to the family member of Vinay Narwal.

Indian Navy Officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a native of Karnal, Haryana, was among the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Vinay Narwal had recently tied the knot, with his wedding reception held just days earlier on April 16. Lt Narwal, who was posted in Kochi, had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir on leave and was in Pahalgam with his wife when terrorists opened fire.

Narwal was given an emotional farewell by family members last month. His father, Rajesh Narwa, and maternal uncle performed the last rites in the presence of hundreds.

Narwal's father expressed faith in the government and said that the Union government would do justice, adding that the loss was 'unbearable and irreplaceable.'

As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. (ANI)