A former Army officer has come under intense criticism online after he posted a video questioning the role of female Indian Navy personnel in a military funeral, suggesting that "feminism and equality don’t work in the practical world."

Sumit Mohan Garg, a retired officer, shared footage of women Navy personnel initially struggling to lift the coffin of Lt. Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He captioned the post, “Feminism and equality don’t work in a practical world. Who had the bright idea to showcase feminine power on such a sombre occasion and disrespect the departed soul?”

His remarks, viewed over a million times on X (formerly Twitter), triggered a wave of backlash from netizens who called his comments sexist and insensitive.

“In very poor taste. Suggest delete. The pallbearers were likely his coursemates. It has nothing to do with feminism,” one user commented.

Another wrote, “By that logic, are we disqualifying every male soldier who isn’t a bodybuilder, too? No? Then don’t move the goalposts for women.”

One user posted, “I’ve seen women at construction sites lifting weights. Don’t say women are not physically strong,” while others pointed out that the act was more symbolic than physical—a reflection of inclusion and solidarity, not brute strength.

Critics also emphasized that participation in military honors isn't about showcasing strength but about standing in dignity with a fallen comrade. Many urged Garg to delete the post and respect the solemnity of the occasion.

Lt. Narwal’s funeral drew national attention, with emotional tributes from his family. His wife Himanshi, a PhD scholar, recounted the horrifying moment of the attack: “I was eating bhel puri and my husband was with me. A person came and asked if he was a Muslim. When he denied, the man shot him dead.”

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who attended the funeral, pledged strict action against the terrorists and announced a ₹50 lakh ex gratia payment and a government job for the officer’s family.

“This is not a moment to debate gender roles,” one user wrote. “It’s a moment to honour a brave soldier and stand united against those who seek to divide us.”