Farooq Abdullah Recalls Close Call After Gunshot Misses Him at Wedding
New Delhi – Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and president of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, Farooq Abdullah, recounted the moments an assailant fired at him during a wedding function in Jammu’s Greater Kailash area on Thursday, stating, “God saved me.”
Details of the Incident
Abdullah described hearing a sound resembling a firecracker as he was leaving the wedding venue. He was immediately escorted into a vehicle. He later learned a man with a pistol had discharged two shots in his direction. “Neither do I know this man (the accused), nor do I have any information about him,” Abdullah told reporters.
The suspect, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, is currently in police custody, and the incident is under investigation, according to the BBC report.
Security Concerns and Investigation
Abdullah questioned whether the incident constituted a security lapse, noting the presence of numerous dignitaries at the wedding without a visible police presence. He credited his personal security detail with saving his life. He confirmed receiving a call from the Union Home Minister, who assured him of a thorough investigation.
Abdullah also expressed concern about the rising climate of hatred, stating, “Such things keep happening when there is a situation of hatred now…. No religion teaches hatred, but only to love…”
Call for Restoration of Statehood
Abdullah reiterated his demand for the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, which was revoked in 2019 and reorganized into a Union Territory. “An elected govt doesn’t have powers—how can it continue this way? We were promised that statehood would be restored…”
Impact of Article 370 Abrogation
Reflecting on the changes in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah urged the central and Union Territory governments to assess whether the situation had genuinely improved. He emphasized the importance of working together despite differing opinions within a democratic framework.
Son’s Reaction and Security Details
Farooq Abdullah’s son, Omar Abdullah, who is the current chief minister, shared his concerns on social media, describing the incident as a “extremely close shave.” He questioned how an individual armed with a pistol was able to get so close to his father, who has Z+ security – one of the highest security levels in the country.
“It was only the close protection team that deflected the shot & ensured that the assassination attempt failed,” Omar Abdullah posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Farooq Abdullah’s Background
Farooq Abdullah has served as Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir on three occasions: from September 8, 1982, to July 2, 1984; from November 7, 1986, to January 18, 1990; and from October 9, 1996, to October 18, 2002. He has also served as a Member of Parliament, representing the Srinagar constituency multiple times, most recently from 2017 to 2024. He is currently the President of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, a position he has held since 2009.