Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah narrowly survived an assassination attempt at a wedding in Jammu on Wednesday, saying he initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers and attributing his survival to divine intervention.
The 88-year-old National Conference chief, a Z+ category protectee, was targeted by 63-year-old Jammu resident Kamal Singh Jamwal, who fired two shots at close range but missed. Videos and CCTV footage showed Jamwal approaching Abdullah and attempting to shoot him before being overpowered by his National Security Guard (NSG) protection team.
Speaking at a press conference, Abdullah said he did not know the attacker or his motives. “I was walking out of the venue when I heard the sound of a firecracker. Immediately, I was rushed into a car. Later, I was told that there was a man with a pistol who had fired two shots. Neither do I know this man, nor do I have any information about him,” he said.
Jamwal told police that he had been trying to kill Abdullah for the past 20 years and cited a “personal agenda” behind the attack. Eyewitnesses said he claimed to be the chairman of a previously unknown group called “Jagran Manch” and lived off rent from three shops he owned.
Abdullah, who was attending the wedding of a National Conference leader’s son, was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and advisor Nasir Sogami, both of whom escaped unharmed. Officials said the leaders had been at the venue for over an hour before the incident.
The former chief minister noted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had called to inquire about his well-being and said a full inquiry should be conducted. He also expressed concern about the rise of hatred in society contributing to such attacks.
Abdullah’s son and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the quick response of the close protection team in an X post, noting that the attacker was able to approach a Z+ security protectee at point-blank range and fire, but the shot was deflected.
The incident has raised questions about security arrangements for high-profile figures in the sensitive Union Territory, with several leaders, including Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge, calling for a thorough investigation.
The pistol used in the attempt was seized by police, and the attacker remains in custody.