SRINAGAR: An assassination attempt on National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah at a wedding function in Jammu has triggered a high-level security review, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordering a thorough investigation and the National Security Guard initiating a comprehensive audit of security arrangements for its Z-plus protectees.
Officials said Abdullah had a narrow escape on Wednesday night when a gunman opened fire at him from behind as he was leaving a marriage function in the Greater Kailash area on the outskirts of Jammu.
Security personnel immediately overpowered the attacker before he could cause harm. Police arrested the accused, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, 63, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu. During preliminary questioning, he reportedly told investigators that he had been waiting for an opportunity to target Abdullah for nearly 20 years. Authorities have launched a detailed probe into his antecedents and possible motive.
Following the incident, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke to Farooq Abdullah and assured him that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted. Sources said the Lieutenant Governor directed Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to leave no stone unturned in establishing the circumstances surrounding the attack and to ensure swift action.
Senior officials have also been instructed to ensure “airtight security” for all protectees.
In the wake of the incident, the National Security Guard said it will conduct a security audit of all its Z-plus category high-risk protectees. The elite “Black Cats” commando force currently provides security cover to nine VIPs, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Farooq Abdullah.
Officials said such reviews are part of standard operating procedures whenever an extraordinary incident involves an NSG protectee. While the NSG is responsible for the immediate safety of the protectee, local police and other agencies are tasked with sanitising the venue and ensuring that no armed individual gains entry.
CCTV footage from the wedding venue showed a police officer and an NSG commando intercepting the attacker, while another commando and security personnel pinned him to the ground. Abdullah was immediately evacuated from the venue in a high-speed convoy.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Abdullah said he initially mistook the sound of the gunshot for a firecracker.
“I had gone to attend a wedding. When the bride arrived, we took permission and left for home. As I came out of the hall, I heard a loud sound and thought it was a firecracker, as such things often happen at weddings,” he said.
He said he was later informed that a man had fired from a pistol. “My security guards immediately intervened and tried to pull his hand from behind, which destabilised him and the pistol went upwards. They then managed to seize the weapon,” he said.
Abdullah said he did not know the accused or his motive. “I don’t know this man at all and I have never wronged anyone. I don’t understand what his purpose was or what grudge he had,” he said, while thanking his security personnel for acting swiftly.
In a message posted on social media, his son and former chief minister Omar Abdullah said Abdullah was deeply touched by the messages of support and good wishes he had received since the incident but was unable to respond to them individually. He thanked people on behalf of the family for their concern.
