Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited his father, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a wedding function in Jammu on Wednesday.
The failed bid, thwarted by the swift response of security forces, has sparked widespread condemnation and a political outcry across the Union Territory. Jammu and Kashmir Police officially confirmed on Wednesday that an attempt was made on the life of the former Chief Minister.
A middle-aged man, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, approached Farooq Abdullah from behind and pointed a loaded pistol at his head. The attacker was overpowered by the National Security Guard (NSG) personnel providing Z+ category protection before he could fire a fatal shot. Singh, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, told police he had been planning the attack for over 20 years.
CM Omar Abdullah raised serious questions over the security lapse, asking how an armed individual managed to get within point-blank range of a Z+ protectee. In a post on X, he wrote, "Allah is kind. My father had a very close shave… It was only the close protection team that deflected the shot and ensured that the assassination attempt failed. There are more questions than answers at the moment, including but not limited to how someone was able to get this close to a Z+ NSG-protected former CM.”
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed shock and concern in her post on X: “Shocked to hear about the grave attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab. Relieved to know that he’s safe and doing well. Hope police get to the bottom of this very perturbing security lapse.”
MLA Pulwama Waheed Para described the incident as “unfortunate” and demanded strict action against the accused and any others involved in the conspiracy. He stated, "Farooq Abdullah is not only a senior leader and the biggest leader of Jammu and Kashmir but also of national politics. This sort of attack on his life is not a good thing, and those involved must be held accountable with a fair and honest trial.” He added, "Jammu and Kashmir police must reflect on lapses and ensure that these sorts of incidents do not happen again.”
Farooq Abdullah's first reaction after attack
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah in his first reaction after a man allegedly tried to assassinate him during a marriage function on Wednesday night said that it is only God who saved him. Farooq Abdullah had a narrow escape when the gunman opened fire from behind while the veteran leader was leaving the venue.
Farooq Abdullah recounting chilling moment saying, "I am fine and God has saved me," Abdullah said. Recounting the chilling moment, he said the assailant had managed to get right behind his neck."
"At the last minute, he was overpowered by the security personnel, including the NSG. I was immediately put into my car and driven away safely," he added.
Also read: Farooq Abdullah escapes assassination attempt at wedding
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