Jammu, March 12 The Jammu High Court Bar Association and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry condemned the attack on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and said that there is no place for violence in a democracy.
They demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, questioning the shooting by a gunman at a Z+ protectee.
"It is very strange to note that despite the Z+ security provided to Farooq Sahib, the attacker managed to get so close to him," said Arun Gupta, president of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI).
"We pray to the almighty to give him a long life so that his services can be used for the betterment and development of Jammu and Kashmir," he added.
He said that in a democracy, everyone has the right and freedom to speak in favor or against anyone, regardless of their position or status, but there is no place for violence, physical attacks, or attacks with weapons.
Nirmal Kotwal, the chief of the high court bar association, said that such acts of violence against public representatives are highly condemnable and strike at the very foundation of democracy and the rule of law.
"Political differences can never justify violence or attempts on the life of any democratic leader, and incidents of this nature create an atmosphere of fear and instability," he said.
He added that the legal fraternity has expressed serious concern over the incident and emphasized that the people of the Union territory have already suffered immensely due to violence in the past.
"Any attempt to disturb the prevailing atmosphere of peace and normalcy must be dealt with firmly and decisively," Kotwal said, urging the government to take appropriate measures to strengthen the security apparatus.
He also urged the government to provide additional security in Jammu and Kashmir so that such incidents are prevented, and the safety of public representatives and citizens is ensured.