Assassination attempt thwarted for Kashmiri politician Farooq Abdullah in IIOJK

A senior Kashmiri politician narrowly escaped assassination during a wedding ceremony in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), sparking panic among residents.

Farooq Abdullah, who is also the president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and the father of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was attending the event at the Royal Park in Greater Kailash. Security forces were on high alert to prevent any potential threats.

According to The Hindu newspaper, a man with a pistol approached Abdullah while he was in a hall during the marriage ceremony. Eyewitnesses described him as having fired several shots before security personnel intervened and overpowered him.

The attempted assassination was thwarted by quick action from law enforcement. Police confirmed that the assailant tried to enter point-blank range of the senior politician, but his efforts were stopped by guards deployed for protection.

Abdullah is not just a prominent figure in Kashmir; he holds multiple offices and has been active in politics for decades. His son Omar Abdullah shared details on social media, describing the incident as a “very close call,” with his father escaping only because of quick action from security personnel.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Nasir Aslam Wani were also present at the gathering when the attacker attempted to strike. The police identified the suspect as Kamal Singh Jamwal, who lives in Purani Mandi in Jammu. Police recovered a firearm used in the crime from his possession.

According to officials quoted by Hindustan Times, Jamwal had been planning the assassination for over two decades. He claimed that he was motivated by personal reasons and admitted owning the weapon, which he said is issued to him by law enforcement.

The police investigation into this incident continues. Amidst the confusion, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed concern about security lapses and emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry. Her statement read: “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.”

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Kashmiri politicians in a region under foreign occupation, raising concerns over safety measures and the effectiveness of security protocols.