Security personnel deployed outside the residence of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah after a gunman fired a shot targeting him and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary at a wedding function on Wednesday, in Jammu, Thursday, March 12. PTI
Farooq Abdullah's first reaction after assassination bid: 'God saved me'
The assailant, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, allegedly targeted Abdullah, who is the president of the ruling National Conference, during the event in the Greater Kailash area on the outskirts of Jammu
Veteran politician and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said "God saved me", in his first reaction after a man allegedly tried to assassinate him during a marriage function here on Wednesday night (March 11).
The assailant, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, allegedly targeted Abdullah, who is the president of the ruling National Conference, during the event in the Greater Kailash area on the outskirts of the city.
Watch: Farooq Abdullah miraculously escapes gunshot in Jammu
Abdullah had a narrow escape when the gunman opened fire from behind while the veteran leader was leaving the venue.
"I am fine and God has saved me," Abdullah told news agency PTI on Thursday morning.
Overpowered by security personnel
Recounting the chilling moment, he said the assailant had managed to get right behind his neck. "At the last minute, he was overpowered by the security personnel, including the NSG. I was immediately put into my car and driven away safely," he added.
The attack on Abdullah, a Z+ category protectee, has triggered serious concerns regarding the security apparatus in the sensitive Union Territory. Under standard protocol for such high-profile figures, the area should have been sanitised and strict access control enforced.
While the senior Abdullah declined to comment on the security lapse, his son and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern in a post on X.
'More questions than answers'
"....what is known is that a man with a loaded pistol was able to get within point-blank range and discharge a shot. It was only the close protection team that deflected the shot and ensured the assassination attempt failed," he said.
He also said, "There are more questions than answers at the moment, including how someone was able to get this close to a Z+ NSG-protected former CM." Following the incident, the chief minister reached Jammu and drove straight to his father’s residence.
Top officials are now reviewing the security of all central government protectees in Jammu and Kashmir. Measures to further tighten protection are underway, including the upgrading of jammers used in convoys.
(With agency inputs)