Farooq Abdullah says assassination bid reflects ‘deeply rooted hatred’ in India Questions security lapse, demands probe

Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has said the assassination attempt on him reflects the deep-rooted atmosphere of hatred prevailing in India today.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an attempt on his life when an armed man, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwa, opened fire at him during a wedding ceremony in Jammu. The assailant was immediately overpowered and taken into custody along with the pistol used in the attack.

Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Farooq Abdullah said such incidents are a result of the prevailing climate of hate. “Atmosphere we live in is filled with hate. The tragedy is that hate is deeply rooted in the country now. The space for those who talk about brotherhood, communal harmony and secularism is shrinking,” he said.

Recounting the incident, he said, “I heard a sound of a firecracker bursting. I thought people do burst fire crackers during marriage functions. I felt something hot near my neck, and I didn’t know anything. In the meantime, I was immediately taken away and seated in my vehicle. There, I was told that an attacker had taken aim at me with his pistol and fired two bullets.”

“My security personnel timely intervened and destabilised the attacker. I have no words to express my gratitude to them. Allah saved my life,” he said.

However, Farooq Abdullah questioned the “poor police deployment” at the venue, demanding a probe. The fact is that the police should have taken precautions. The function was attended by many VVIPs. Police deployment was poor and an investigation should be conducted into the matter.”

On the attacker’s statement that he was “planning to kill him for the past 20 years”, Farooq Abdullah said, “I have never seen or met him. I don’t know the cause of his rivalry.”

Meanwhile, cutting across the party lines, IIOJK leaders, including Mehbooba Mufti, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Tariq Hameed Karra, and others, condemned the attack and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.