Attack on Farooq Abdullah: NSG to undertake security audit of Z-Plus category persons

New Delhi, Mar 12: The National Security Guard (NSG) will undertake a comprehensive security audit of all its Z-plus category high-risk VIPs following the assassination attempt on former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, officials said on Thursday.

The ‘Black Cats’ commando force currently provides elite protection to nine VIPs, including Abdullah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.

Under standard operating procedures, the force provides mobile security during transit and deploys a specialised Close Protection Team (CPT) of four commandos when a dignitary is inside an indoor venue, such as a banquet hall or convention centre.

The officials told PTI that it is standard procedure to review or audit security measures whenever an “extraordinary incident” involves an NSG protectee.

“The security audit process will be initiated. While the NSG is tasked with the immediate safety of the protectee, it remains the responsibility of local police and other agencies to sanitise the venue and ensure no armed individuals gain entry,” an official said.

Once the audit is finalised, the NSG will communicate its findings and highlight potential lapses to the relevant local police authorities.

Abdullah had a miraculous escape on Wednesday night when a gunman opened fire at him after coming from behind while the National Conference president was leaving a wedding function in Jammu.

CCTV footage from the wedding event showed a police official and an NSG commando successfully intercepting the attacker, while a second commando and other security personnel pinned him to the ground.

The team immediately evacuated Abdullah from the venue in a high-speed convoy.

Attack on Farooq echoes in Parliament

Kharge, Ramzan raise issue in Rajya Sabha; Leaders flags worsening law & order in J&K

New Delhi, Mar 12: The assassination attempt on former Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah echoed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, with Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge and National Conference MP Choudhary Ramzan expressing concern over the incident and demanding stronger security arrangements for the veteran leader.

Speaking in the House, Kharge said the attack on Dr Farooq was a serious matter and raised concerns over the law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

“An attack was carried out on Farooq Abdullah Sahib. If the attacker had got even a minute or two more, he could have killed him,” Kharge said while addressing the Rajya Sabha.

He said the incident indicated that the safety of senior political leaders was under threat and urged the government to take the matter seriously.

Meanwhile, participating in the discussion, National Conference MP Choudhary Ramzan also called for an immediate upgrade in the security cover of Farooq Abdullah.

Ramzan told the House that the veteran leader survived the attack because people around him acted swiftly and managed to overpower the attacker.

“At the time of the incident, Dr Farooq Abdullah had security cover and his workers were around him. It was due to their efforts that the attacker was overpowered and his life was saved,” Ramzan said.

Ramzan also claimed that a senior political leader accompanying Dr Farooq was injured during the scuffle before the attacker was subdued.

Leaders condemn attack; demand thorough probe

Meanwhile, political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday strongly condemned the firing incident targeting National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah. They expressed relief that he escaped unharmed while calling for a thorough investigation into the security breach.

As per the details available, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), president Mehbooba Mufti said she was shocked to hear about the “grave attack” on Abdullah but was relieved to know that he is safe.

“Shocked to hear about the grave attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahab. Relieved to know that he’s safe and doing well. Hope police gets to the bottom of this very perturbing security lapse,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also expressed relief that Abdullah escaped unharmed in the firing incident. “Glad to know that Farooq Abdullah Sahib escaped unharmed in the firing incident in Jammu. The assailant has been arrested, but the matter must be thoroughly investigated to determine whether it was just a drunken act by the attacker or something more serious,” Bukhari said in another Tweet.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president, Tariq Hameed Karra termed the incident shocking and deeply disturbing, saying it raises serious concerns. “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, while praying for the safety and well-being of everyone.