Jammu Kashmir Lawmakers Rally Around Farooq Abdullah After Attack; Flag Security Lapses, Seek Judicial Probe | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: A rare show of unity marked proceedings in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly as members across party lines strongly condemned the recent assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah and demanded a high-level judicial probe into what was widely described as a serious security failure. They spoke at length in a debate on the assassination bid on Farooq Abdullah and the individual security of the lawmakers, especially in Kashmir.

Abdullah, a former Chief Minister and senior-most political figure in the region, had a narrow escape on March 11 when a 63-year-old man opened fire at close range during a wedding function in Jammu. The attacker was overpowered on the spot, but the incident has triggered widespread concern over the adequacy of security arrangements for protected leaders. The accused told police he was planning the assassination for 20 years.

Initiating the discussion, National Conference legislator Salman Sagar said the attack had far-reaching implications for public representatives. “If a person like Farooq Abdullah is not safe, what can be said about others,” he said, calling for a transparent, time-bound probe by a sitting High Court judge.

Members from both treasury and opposition benches described the incident as deeply disturbing and questioned how an attacker managed to come dangerously close to a Z-Plus protected leader. Several legislators demanded accountability within the police establishment and action against officials responsible for the lapse.

Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said the absence of immediate disciplinary action had raised serious concerns. She stressed that a credible and time-bound investigation report must be made public to restore confidence.

While the House unanimously condemned the attack, the discussion expanded into broader concerns about the security of lawmakers in Jammu and Kashmir.

People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone and PDP legislator Waheed ur Rehman Parra raised concerns about what they described as selective or inconsistent security arrangements, particularly for opposition leaders.

Parra termed security in Jammu and Kashmir a “non-negotiable necessity,” arguing that elected representatives operate in a sensitive environment and require consistent protection. He alleged that withdrawal of escorts, downgrading of security cover, and denial of secure accommodation had increased vulnerability for several leaders.

Referring to former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Parra said that denial of secure housing and protection raised serious questions and called for corrective measures.

Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra also flagged concerns over reported withdrawal of security escorts for Valley-based legislators, warning that such steps could endanger lives.

Several MLAs said that security escorts for Kashmir-based legislators had been reduced or withdrawn, limiting their movement and affecting their ability to visit constituencies.

National Conference members said the absence of escorts had effectively restricted their mobility. Some linked the issue to the recent attack on Abdullah, suggesting that security arrangements required urgent review.

Riyaz Bedar, a legislator with a policing background, warned that the situation could reflect deeper systemic concerns that needed to be addressed immediately.

The debate also saw strong personal interventions, particularly from Sajjad Lone, who drew parallels between the attack on Abdullah and the assassination of his father, Abdul Gani Lone.

He cautioned against the use of security as a political tool and called for an impartial framework ensuring protection for all leaders, irrespective of political affiliation. He also urged that the individual who helped prevent the attack on Abdullah be identified and honoured.

CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami and others said such incidents raise serious concerns about democratic stability and must be addressed through transparent processes.

A key demand across party lines was the institution of a judicial probe monitored by a sitting High Court judge. Legislators said only an independent inquiry could establish accountability, examine possible larger motives, and restore public trust.

Some members also called for strict punishment for the attacker, reflecting the seriousness with which the House viewed the incident.

Concluding the discussion, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather described the attack as a serious matter and said the concerns expressed by members would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.

He informed the House that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had taken note of the incident and had interacted with Abdullah. He expressed confidence that the investigation would be carried through to its conclusion and that those responsible would be held accountable.

The attack on Farooq Abdullah has brought renewed focus on the security framework for public representatives in Jammu and Kashmir. What began as condemnation of a single incident has evolved into a broader debate on institutional safeguards, accountability, and the need to ensure equal protection for all lawmakers in the region.