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 and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, in a post on X, said, “I am shocked to hear about the grave attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah. I am relieved to know that he is safe and doing well.”
“I hope the police can get to the bottom of this very disturbing security lapse,” she added.
Abdullah (88) had a narrow escape when a gunman allegedly opened fire at him from behind while he was leaving a wedding function at Greater Kailash on the outskirts of Jammu on Wednesday night.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, were also accompanying Abdullah 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.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir, condemned the attack, saying the incident needs to be thoroughly investigated.
“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 leader called for an investigation into how the assailant got so close to Abdullah with a loaded weapon.
“I am relieved to know that he escaped unhurt. That someone with a loaded weapon got so close and fired at him needs to be thoroughly investigated,” 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.
People's Conference president Sajad Gani Lone, who is an MLA from the Handwara assembly seat, also condemned the firing incident.
“I condemn the cowardly firing at Dr Farooq sahib, Surinder Choudhary Ji and Nasir Aslam sahib. Thank God that they are safe,” Lone posted on his X handle.
CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami termed the incident a serious security lapse.
“I strongly condemn the assassination bid on Farooq Abdullah Sahab. Fortunately, he escaped unhurt. The incident demands a thorough probe. It must be investigated how an assailant carrying a loaded pistol managed to get so close to a serious security lapse,” he added.
