Dr Farooq survives assassination bid in Jammu: Nasir Aslam Wani

Jammu, Mar 11: In a major security lapse, National Conference president and the former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday survived an assassination bid when in a startling turn of events, a man allegedly opened fire upon him (Dr Farooq) during a marriage function in Greater Kailash area of Jammu late Wednesday evening.

Police immediately apprehended the accused who was in intoxicated condition and identified himself as Kamal Singh Jamwal, 63, son of late Ajit Singh Jamwal, resident of Purani Mandi, Jammu. He claimed to have owned shops in Purani Mandi.

Further investigation was underway. Police, however, ruled out any terror angle in the incident.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah – Nasir Aslam Wani, who was accompanying Dr Farooq along with the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, while speaking to the media persons after the incident, stated, “A man made an unsuccessful bid to assassinate Dr (Farooq) Sahib by opening fire on him with his revolver. Though by the grace of God and the blessings of everyone, he remained unhurt. He was immediately overpowered (by the security personnel accompanying Dr Farooq). Police have arrested him.”

When asked about the security arrangements there in the backdrop of presence of high-profiled dignitaries, Wani stated that those associated with the law executing agencies should be asked about it.

“It would be too early to make any comment vis-à-vis the intention of the man and other angles. We will come to know about these details after the completion of the investigation. It would not be proper to come to any conclusion before the completion of the investigation. We only thank God that he saved everyone and nothing untoward occurred. Dr Sahib is also perfectly fine and is in good spirits. He is taking rest at present at his residence in Bhatindi and will speak tomorrow,” Wani said, in response to a question about the alleged remark of the accused that he had been aiming to target Dr Farooq for the last 20 years for his own personal reasons.

The incident took place at Royal Park, Greater Kailash during the wedding function, which was also being attended by Dr Farooq Abdullah, joined by Nasir Aslam Wani and the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.

Following the incident, the Police issued a brief statement regarding the incident. “An incident of firing was reported at a function where J&K NC chief Dr Farooq Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary were present. One person has been arrested,” the statement read.

Later, SP South Jammu Ajay Sharma on ‘X’ posted, “There was a firing incident using a licensed weapon at a marriage party where ex CM JK Dr Farooq Abdullah Sb was also present. It falls in the jurisdiction of Police Station Gangyal. Accused is arrested and a detailed investigation is going on. There is no terror angle. Hon’ble MP is unhurt, thank God!”

Deputy Chief Minister, while responding to media queries, described the startling incident as a “big security lapse.”

“Our party president and Nasir Sahib were there. I was also accompanying them. You need to ask the Police how and in what circumstances, this lapse occurred. In the Royal Park, where this function occurred, there was not even a single Police cop present. It was a major security lapse as a man entered the venue with a licensed gun in a function where former Chief Minister, present Deputy Chief Minister and the Advisor (to CM) were present,” Choudhary said.