Political leaders condemn attack on Farooq Abdullah, demand thorough probe

Srinagar, Mar 12: Political leaders across the political spectrum on Thursday condemned the attack on former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and demanded a thorough probe into the incident.

The veteran politician Abdullah had a narrow escape on Wednesday night after a man fired a gunshot from close range towards him. Abdullah, who was attending a wedding in Jammu, escaped unhurt.

The accused, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, was arrested. Abdullah was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Wani at the wedding.

Former chief minister and PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed shock over the attack and hoped that police would get to the bottom of what she termed a “very perturbing security lapse.”

“Shocked to hear about the grave attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab. Relieved to know that he’s safe and doing well. Hope police get to the bottom of this very perturbing security lapse,” she said on X.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said that the police must investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure his security and safety.

“Strongly condemn the attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib. Relieved that he is safe. Police must investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure his security and safety so that such incidents do not happen again. Wishing him good health and safety!,” Azad said on X.

J&K Congress president Tariq Karra strongly condemned the firing incident, describing it as shocking and deeply disturbing.

“..Such acts of violence are deeply disturbing and raise serious concerns about the prevailing security scenario in the region. The increasing criminalisation and lawlessness cannot be ignored. Those entrusted with maintaining law and order must be held accountable. The people deserve safety, stability, and a secure environment, and it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that such incidents are not repeated,” Karra said.

National Conference Member Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi said “such acts of violence are deeply concerning and emphasised that those responsible must be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.”

“Hon’ble Member of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi has strongly condemned the reprehensible incident reported in Jammu in which fire was opened on Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary during a wedding function.He stated that such acts of violence are deeply concerning and emphasised that those responsible must be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law,” the office of MP said on X.

Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the incident needs to be thoroughly probed.

“News about the attempt on Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahibs life at a function in Jammu is concerning and condemnable. Relieved to know that he escaped unhurt. That someone with a loaded weapon got so close and fired at him, needs to be thoroughly probed,” he said.

People’s Conference president and MLA Sajad Lone condemned the attack.

“Condemn the cowardly firing at Dr Farooq sahib and Surinder Choudhary Ji and Nasir Aslam sahib. Thanks to Allah Almighty that they are safe,” Lone said.

BJP leader and Media In-charge Kashmir Sajid Yousuf Shah termed the incident unacceptable.

“Strongly condemn the assassination attempt on Former CM Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahab in Jammu yesterday. Glad that he and those accompanying him, including Dy CM Surinder Choudhary Sb & Nasir Aslam Wani Sb, are safe. Such acts of violence are unacceptable and have no place in our society. Prayers for everyone’s safety and protection,” he said.