Jammu, Mar 12: Veteran leader Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said “God saved me” after surviving a Farooq Abdullah assassination attempt during a marriage function in Jammu the previous night.
The incident occurred in the Greater Kailash area on the outskirts of the city when the assailant, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, allegedly opened fire from behind as Abdullah was leaving the venue. Security personnel immediately intervened and overpowered the attacker before he could cause harm.
Abdullah, who serves as president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, said the gunman had come dangerously close. According to him, the suspect managed to reach near his neck before members of the security team, including personnel from the National Security Guard, stopped him and ensured his safe evacuation from the spot.
The attack has raised serious concerns about security arrangements in the sensitive Union Territory, particularly as Abdullah is a Z+ category protectee. Under such protocols, venues are usually sanitised and strict access controls enforced prior to public appearances.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the incident, noting that a man carrying a loaded pistol managed to come within point-blank range before the close protection team deflected the shot. He said several questions remain regarding how the attacker managed to breach security.
Following the incident, senior officials have initiated a review of the security cover provided to high profile protectees in the region. Authorities are also considering additional measures, including upgrading jamming equipment used in security convoys to strengthen protection.