Srinagar, March 12 Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief priest of Kashmir, on Thursday condemned the attack on former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, saying the incident needs to be thoroughly investigated.
Abdullah, 88, had a narrow escape when a gunman allegedly opened fire at him from behind while he was leaving a marriage function at Greater Kailash on the outskirts of Jammu on Wednesday night.
The accused, identified as 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, was arrested and told police that he had been waiting for an opportunity to target Abdullah for the past 20 years.
"The news about the attempt on Dr. Farooq Abdullah's life at a function in Jammu is concerning and condemnable," Mirwaiz posted on his X handle.
The religious leaders called for an investigation into how the assailant was able to get so close to Abdullah with a loaded weapon.
"I am relieved to know that he escaped unharmed. The fact that someone with a loaded weapon was able to get so close and fire at him needs to be thoroughly investigated," Mirwaiz added.
