Jammu, March 12 National Conference leaders on Thursday condemned the attack on party president Farooq Abdullah and demanded a thorough investigation to determine how the assailant was able to get so close to the former chief minister, who is under Z+ security.
They also demanded that the administration enhance Abdullah's security and conduct a comprehensive review of security protocols.
Under the central protection list, VIP security begins at the highest level of Z-plus (ASL) to Z-plus, followed by Z, Y, Y-plus, and X.
Abdullah was miraculously unharmed when a gunman opened fire at him while he was leaving a wedding function here on Wednesday night, officials said.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, were accompanying Abdullah when the incident occurred.
"We are thankful that our leader is safe and well. This was indeed a serious incident. It represents a significant security lapse. It cannot be taken lightly. There should be a thorough investigation by the police," said Rattan Lal Gupta, Jammu president of the National Conference.
He demanded an immediate audit and enhancement of Abdullah's security.
Jammu president of Youth National Conference Tejinder Pal Singh Aman said the attack on Farooq was a "very sad incident".
"The person who attacked is currently in police custody. ...despite such heavy security, how did this person manage to reach there with a gun? This is a security lapse," Aman told reporters here.
"This happened despite the presence of a sitting deputy chief minister, a political advisor to the honorable chief minister, cabinet ministers, several MLAs, and many leaders," he said.
"We condemn this incident and want the truth to come out as soon as possible," he added.
Aman warned that such incidents could pose a serious threat to the political leadership of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Earlier, it was said that after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, Jammu and Kashmir would be completely safe. Earlier, leaders had to protect themselves from militants, but now shots are being fired at the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir in broad daylight," he said.
Aman urged the government to enhance Abdullah's security and conduct a comprehensive review of security protocols.
National Conference MLA Ajaz Ahmed Jan said it was alarming that a person was able to get a firearm inside the function venue.
"Farooq Abdullah is absolutely fine. This is a security breach... An investigation should be conducted," he said.