Srinagar, March 12 Political leaders in Kashmir, across party lines, condemned the attack on National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah in Jammu on Thursday, demanding a thorough investigation.
Leaders from the BJP, Congress, and PDP demanded accountability from those responsible for security, while the National Conference termed the incident a "major security lapse" and sought a detailed investigation.
Abdullah (88) was unharmed when a gunman allegedly opened fire at him from behind while he was leaving a wedding function in Greater Kailash, Jammu, on Wednesday night.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, were also present at the function when the incident occurred.
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.
Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party, posted on X, saying, "Shocked to hear about the grave attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab. Relieved to know that he's safe and doing well."
She added, "Hope the police get to the bottom of this very perturbing security lapse."
BJP spokesperson Sunil Sethi said violence has no place in a democratic society and political differences must be resolved through dialogue and constitutional means.
"The BJP firmly opposes such acts and reiterates that the party does not support any activity that threatens peace and democratic functioning," he said, emphasizing the need to maintain a healthy political environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
He added that targeting political leaders through violence is unacceptable and the circumstances surrounding the incident must be properly examined through a thorough investigation.
Tariq Hamid Karra, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, described the incident as "shocking." "Such acts of violence are deeply disturbing and raise serious concerns about the security scenario," Karra said, adding that those responsible for maintaining law and order must be held accountable.
Ghulam Ahmed Mir, general secretary of the Congress and leader of the Congress Legislative Party, said such occurrences in public places were unfortunate.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir, condemned the attack, saying the incident needs to be probed thoroughly.
"News about the (attempt on) Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib's life at a function in Jammu is concerning and condemnable," Mirwaiz posted on his X handle.
The religious leader called for an investigation into how the assailant got so close to Abdullah with a loaded weapon.
"Relieved to know that he escaped unhurt. That someone with a loaded weapon got so close and fired at him needs to be thoroughly probed," he added.
National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi condemned the attack on Abdullah.
"Hon'ble Member of Parliament @RuhullahMehdi has strongly condemned the reprehensible incident reported in Jammu in which fire was opened on Dr Farooq Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary during a wedding function," he said in a post on X.
Mehdi, the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar who has been at loggerheads with the National Conference government over several issues, said such acts of violence are deeply concerning and emphasised that those responsible must be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Sajad Gani Lone, MLA from Handwara, also condemned the firing incident.
"Condemn the cowardly firing at Dr Farooq sahib, Surinder Choudhary Ji and Nasir Aslam sahib. Thanks to Allah Almighty that they are safe," Lone posted on his X handle.
CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami termed the incident a serious security lapse.
"Strongly condemn the assassination bid on Farooq Abdullah Sahab. Fortunately, he escaped unhurt. The incident demands a thorough probe. It must be probed how an assailant carrying a loaded pistol managed to get so close to a serious security lapse," he added.
The National Conference demanded that Farooq’s security be enhanced. Rattan Lal Gupta, NC's provincial president, Jammu, said it was a grave incident and questioned how the assailant managed to reach the venue with a firearm despite security presence.
"It is a big security lapse and cannot be taken lightly. There should be a thorough investigation by the police," Gupta said while demanding an immediate review of Farooq’s security cover.
Former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Manjit Singh GK described Farooq as a popular leader of Jammu and Kashmir and praised the Abdullah family for their long-standing support for the rights of Kashmiris and minorities.
In a video posted on his X account, Singh said the family — from Sheikh Abdullah to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah — has consistently stood for the rights of people and minorities and contributed to the development of education in the region. He strongly condemned the attack and extended his good wishes to leaders who stand up for minority rights.