SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) on Thursday strongly condemned the assassination attempt on former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, terming the incident a “brazen terror act” and calling for strict action against the assailant under anti-terror laws.
In a statement issued here, the Federation said the firing incident during a private function in Jammu not only endangered the life of the senior political leader but also put at risk the safety of others present at the venue.
Among those accompanying Abdullah at the time of the incident were Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and adviser to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani.
The FCIK said that acts of targeted violence were not merely attacks on individuals but a direct assault on democratic values, civil discourse and public order.
“The mindset behind such acts speaks volumes about the disturbing rise of hatred, intolerance and radicalised thinking that is increasingly manifesting itself in public spaces,” the Federation said, warning that if left unchecked, such tendencies could erode the foundations of a plural and democratic society.
The organisation stressed that violence motivated by hatred or intolerance must be treated with utmost seriousness and dealt with firmly under the law. It demanded that the attacker be booked under relevant provisions of terrorism-related legislation to send a strong deterrent message against attempts to spread fear and disrupt democratic engagement.
FCIK also called on the authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, including an examination of the circumstances that allowed the attacker to gain access to the venue while carrying a weapon.
The Federation said accountability in such cases was essential not only to bring the perpetrator to justice but also to restore public confidence in the safety of democratic and public institutions.
Expressing relief that Abdullah and other dignitaries escaped the attack unhurt, the FCIK conveyed solidarity with them and prayed for their continued safety and well-being.
