A 63-year-old man has been detained following an attempted shooting of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah during a wedding celebration in Jammu. In a video that has circulated widely, the individual claimed he planned to assassinate Abdullah for the past twenty years. Authorities have yet to verify this assertion. The accused mentioned, “I wanted to kill Farooq Abdullah for the last 20 years. It was my personal agenda. I tried today but it didn’t happen.” He further stated in the video that the firearm used was his personal weapon, which had been legally issued to him.

Details from Law Enforcement

According to Ajay Sharma, the Superintendent of Police for South Jammu, a shooting incident involving a licensed weapon occurred at the wedding party attended by Abdullah. “This case falls under the jurisdiction of PS Gangyal. The accused has been apprehended and a thorough investigation is currently underway. There is no indication of a terror connection,” Sharma shared on social media, adding that the former Chief Minister was unharmed.

Reactions from Political Figures

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious leader in Kashmir, expressed concern over the assassination attempt via social media, stating that it demands exhaustive investigation. He acknowledged his relief that Abdullah escaped without injury, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, where an armed individual was able to approach and fire at him. Other political leaders also voiced their condemnation. Sajad Lone, chairman of the People’s Conference, strongly denounced the shooting directed at Abdullah and associated individuals, expressing gratitude for their safety.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Parra described the attempt as shocking, categorically condemning the violence against a seasoned political figure. He stressed the unacceptability of such acts, extending prayers for Abdullah’s continued well-being. Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, a ruling National Conference Member of Parliament, echoed this sentiment, calling the shooting reprehensible and insisting that those responsible should face stringent legal repercussions.

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