SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday described the attack on senior political leader Farooq Abdullah as a grave and “non-ordinary” incident, calling for a fair and transparent investigation into the matter.
Speaking in the House in Jammu, Rather said the incident amounted to an assault on the “soul of democracy” and underscored the need for a strong message to those responsible for maintaining law and order.
He highlighted Farooq Abdullah’s stature as a veteran leader with significant national and international contributions, saying he requires no introduction.
The Speaker noted that members across party lines expressed a unified view, reflecting public sentiment and the demand for a credible inquiry. He said legislators spoke as representatives of the people rather than on partisan lines.
Expressing concern over a viral video of the accused, Rather said the individual appeared unusually calm, showed no remorse, and spoke confidently, raising questions about the seriousness of the handling of the case.
He further observed that the manner in which the accused was dealt with appeared inconsistent with established police procedures in serious offences, adding that these issues must be addressed through investigation.
“The people are seeking answers, and several questions have emerged. A fair probe is essential,” he said.
Rather also thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for promptly contacting Farooq Abdullah and assuring an inquiry, saying their intervention has helped reassure both the leader and the public.
He said the House expects a thorough and transparent investigation, with strict punishment for those responsible to deter any repetition of such incidents in future.
Farooq Abdullah, a former chief minister and national conference president, narrowly escaped the attack on March 11 when a 63-year-old man opened fire at close range as he was leaving a wedding function in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. The assailant was immediately overpowered and arrested with a revolver.
