“Assailant fired two bullets, security personnel intervened”
HM Amit Shah rings JKNC President, seeks probe; FIR registered
Abdullah Says “He had never harboured hatred against anyone”
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said he survived an assassination attempt at a wedding function in Jammu “by the grace of Almighty God”, and credited his security personnel for saving his life after an assailant fired at him from close range.
Recounting the incident to reporters a day after the attack, Dr Farooq said he initially mistook the gunshot for a firecracker before his security team rushed him to safety.
“I had gone to a wedding. When the bride arrived, we took permission from her and left the hall. As soon as I came out and was walking, I heard a sound like a cracker,” he said.
“At weddings, people often burst firecrackers. I thought it was that. I felt a little heat near me but didn’t realise what had happened. In the meantime, my security personnel quickly put me inside the car,” he added.
According to Dr. Farooq, he later learnt from his security personnel that the attacker had fired two shots from a pistol.
“The man fired two bullets. I don’t know where the first one went. When he fired the second shot, our security guards pulled his hand from behind. He got destabilised, and the pistol moved upward. In the meantime, the guard caught hold of the weapon,” he said.
The veteran leader said he had no personal dispute with the assailant and did not know him.
“I don’t know this man at all. He said he had been preparing for 20 years and had some personal grudge. I don’t know what his purpose was. I have never tried to harm anyone. Whoever came to me, whether from my party or the opposition, I tried to help them. I never kept hatred in my heart for anyone,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to those present at the venue, he said the quick response of his security personnel and colleagues helped him escape unharmed.
“I am thankful to Allah that my security was with me. Our ministers and MLAs were also there, they gave me courage at that time. I survived,” he said.
Abdullah also praised the swift response of his personal security officers and other personnel.
“The local police, my security team, and the NSG all acted quickly to protect me. I have no words to praise them enough,” he said.
The NC president said Union Home Minister Amit Shah called him after the incident to inquire about his health and assured him that the matter would be investigated.
“HM Shah asked about my health. I told him, thank God I survived. He said the accused has been caught and there will be an investigation. I told him I hope they get to the bottom of it,” Dr Farooq said.
Calling for a thorough probe, he said authorities must determine the motive behind the attack.
“It is now up to them to conduct an enquiry and find out why this happened and what the reason was,” he said.
Meanwhile, police said a case has been registered in connection with the incident and the weapon used by the attacker has been seized.
A police spokesperson said an FIR No. 29 under Section 109 BNS and Section 3/25 of the Arms Act has been registered and the accused has undergone a medical examination.
“Further investigation into the incident is underway, covering all angles. Updates will be shared periodically,” he said.
