Veteran Jammu and Kashmir politician Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Jammu late Wednesday night, prompting swift reactions from political leaders and security agencies. Following the incident, Amit Shah, India’s Union Home Minister, personally called the National Conference leader to enquire about his safety and assured him that a comprehensive investigation into the attack is underway.

The shocking episode occurred during a wedding function in Jammu and has raised serious questions about the security arrangements around high-profile political leaders.

Amit Shah Contacts Farooq Abdullah After Attack

According to statements made by Farooq Abdullah, the Union Home Minister reached out to him shortly after news of the incident surfaced.

Speaking to journalists in Jammu, Abdullah said that Amit Shah asked about his health and safety and assured him that authorities would conduct a detailed and high-level investigation into the attempted attack.

Abdullah emphasized that a proper inquiry was necessary to determine how the assailant managed to get so close despite the heavy security cover provided to him.

Attack Occurred at Wedding Venue

The incident took place at around 10:10 pm on Wednesday at a wedding function held at the Royal Park venue in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu.

According to Abdullah, he was leaving the venue when he suddenly heard a loud sound.

“At first I thought it was the sound of a firecracker,” he told reporters. Moments later, his security personnel quickly escorted him into a vehicle after realizing that a firearm had been discharged.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the noise was caused by a gunshot fired by an individual who had approached the former chief minister from behind.

Security Personnel Foil the Attempt

Authorities identified the alleged attacker as 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal, a resident of Jammu’s Purani Mandi locality.

Investigators said Jamwal managed to reach very close to the National Conference leader before pulling out a licensed .32-caliber pistol and firing a shot.

However, alert members of Abdullah’s security detail—including commandos from the National Security Guard—reacted quickly and deflected the attacker’s arm at the last moment, preventing a direct hit.

Abdullah later said that the assailant had come dangerously close.

“He had reached right behind my neck, but my security team pushed his arm away just as the trigger was pulled,” he said, crediting his security personnel for saving his life.

Attacker Taken Into Custody

Following the failed attack, security personnel immediately overpowered Jamwal and handed him over to local police.

He is currently being held at Gangyal Police Station in Jammu, where investigators are questioning him to determine the motive behind the attack.

Preliminary police findings suggest that the weapon used in the shooting was legally registered in the accused’s name.

Officials have also indicated that the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Alleged 20-Year Personal Grudge

During interrogation, Jamwal reportedly told investigators that he had harbored resentment against Farooq Abdullah for nearly two decades.

According to investigators, the accused claimed that he had been waiting for an opportunity to carry out the attack for years.

Police sources indicated that Jamwal allegedly told officers that he had wanted to kill the veteran politician for the past 20 years and believed he had finally found the opportunity during the wedding function.

Authorities currently believe the attack may have stemmed from a long-standing personal grievance rather than an organized terror plot, though the investigation is still ongoing.

Security Lapses Under Scrutiny

The assassination attempt has triggered intense debate over security arrangements for high-profile leaders.

Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and son of Farooq Abdullah, traveled to Jammu soon after the incident and demanded answers regarding the apparent lapse.

Posting on social media platform X, Omar questioned how an armed individual could get so close to a leader protected under the Z+ security category, which typically includes highly trained commandos and multiple security layers.

“There are more questions than answers at the moment,” he said, calling the breach a serious failure of security protocols.

Political Leaders Condemn the Attack

Leaders from multiple political parties strongly condemned the assassination attempt.

Among those expressing concern were:

• Mehbooba Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party
• Y. Tarigami of the CPI(M)
• Sajad Lone of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference
• Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious and political leader in Kashmir

These leaders described the attack as deeply troubling and called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances that allowed the attacker to breach the security perimeter.

Government Orders Security Review

In response to the incident, security agencies and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have begun reviewing protection arrangements for prominent political leaders.

Officials indicated that security protocols at public gatherings and private events may be tightened, including stricter screening procedures and enhanced coordination between local police and elite security units.

Authorities are also assessing why local police personnel were reportedly absent from the immediate vicinity at the time of the incident, despite the presence of several senior political figures at the venue.

Investigation Continues

As the probe progresses, investigators are expected to examine several aspects of the incident, including:

• How the attacker gained access to the venue
• Whether security checks were conducted properly
• The mental and personal background of the accused
• Any possible connections or influences behind the attack

Officials have assured that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Summary

• Farooq Abdullah survived an assassination attempt at a wedding venue in Jammu.
• Amit Shah called the National Conference leader and assured a thorough investigation.
• The attacker, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, allegedly fired a shot from a licensed pistol.
• Security personnel from the National Security Guard intervened quickly and prevented a fatal attack.
• Police say the accused claimed to hold a 20-year personal grudge against Abdullah.
• The incident has triggered political reactions and raised questions about security lapses.

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