- Attack on Farooq Abdullah draws sharp BJP condemnation, security review sought
Jammu, 12-03-2026: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday strongly condemned the attack on National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, asserting that violence against political leaders has no place in a democracy and calling for a full and transparent investigation into the incident. The attack, which took place on Wednesday night at a private marriage function in Greater Kailash on the outskirts of Jammu, has sparked serious concern across political circles in the Union Territory. Reports said Dr Abdullah had a narrow escape when a gunman allegedly opened fire from behind as he was leaving the venue. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani were also present at the time of the incident.
According to reports, the accused, identified as 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal of Purani Mandi in Jammu, was immediately arrested after the incident. Investigators are examining his background and trying to establish the precise motive behind the attack. Early reports said the accused had allegedly been waiting for an opportunity to target Dr Abdullah for many years, though political leaders across parties have stressed that the matter should be established only through a proper investigation and not through premature conclusions.
The issue was discussed during a meeting of BJP spokespersons in Jammu and Kashmir, where party leaders expressed deep concern over the incident and underlined the need to preserve peace and democratic order. Senior BJP spokesperson Advocate Sunil Sethi said violence has no place in a democratic society and that political disagreements must always be resolved through dialogue, constitutional institutions and peaceful means. He said the BJP firmly opposes any act that threatens democratic functioning or disturbs public peace, adding that targeting political leaders through violence is completely unacceptable. He also demanded a thorough and transparent probe so that every circumstance surrounding the attack can be carefully examined.
BJP spokesperson Tahir Chowdhary also condemned the incident, saying attacks on political leaders weaken democratic values and create an atmosphere of fear and instability. He praised the swift response of security personnel and others present at the venue, whose immediate action helped prevent a potentially more serious tragedy. His remarks reflected a wider sentiment within the party that the incident was not merely an attack on an individual leader, but also a challenge to the democratic culture of political engagement.
BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa, who visited Dr Abdullah’s residence to express solidarity, described the incident as highly condemnable and unfortunate. He said Jammu has long been known for peace, communal harmony and civic restraint, and noted that such acts have never been acceptable in the region. Randhawa said the fact that the attack occurred during a private social function made the episode even more disturbing. He also stressed that whenever senior public figures attend any event, appropriate security arrangements must be in place. Referring to reportedly inconsistent statements by the accused, he said the motive was still unclear and must be established only after a detailed investigation by the concerned agencies.
The BJP’s reaction has added to the broader political consensus that the attack must be treated with utmost seriousness. While parties may differ in their political interpretations, there appears to be a common demand for accountability, stronger security vigilance and a credible investigation into how such a serious breach could occur despite the presence of high-profile leaders. The incident has once again placed the spotlight on political security and public safety in Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP seeks transparent probe into attack on Farooq Abdullah in Jammu