Rehan Qayoom Mir
Jammu, Mar 12: National Conference (NC) President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said that he survived an assassination attempt at a wedding function in Jammu last night by the grace of God, thanking his security personnel and colleagues for saving him from harm.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Dr Farooq Abdullah recounted the terrifying sequence of events said, “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, “I thought someone had burst a firecracker because that often happens at weddings. I felt a little heat near me, but I didn’t know what had happened. In the meantime, my security personnel quickly put me inside the car.”
He said his security personnel informed him that the man had fired two bullets from a pistol.
“The man fired two bullets. The first one, I don’t know where it went. The second bullet, our security guards tried to pull his hand from behind. He got destabilized and the pistol moved upward. In the meantime, the security guard caught hold of the weapon,” Dr Farooq said.
The NC President said he does not know the assailant and had no personal dispute with him.
“I don’t know this man at all. Not at all. He gave a statement that he had been preparing for 20 years and had a personal grudge. I don’t know what his purpose was. I have never tried to harm anyone. Whoever came to me, when I was a minister, whether from my party or the opposition, I helped them. I never kept hatred in my heart for anyone.”
“I am thankful to Allah that my security was with me. Then our ministers came, and our MLAs were also there—they gave me courage at that time. I survived.”
Dr Farooq further highlighted the role of his PSOs and security personnel. “The local police, the people with me in security and the NSG, who tried to save me by keeping me in front, all acted quickly. I have no words to praise them enough.”
Dr Farooq said he received a call from Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the incident.
“He 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, Dr Farooq 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, a Police spokesman said that Police have registered FIR NO 29 U/S 109 BNS3/25 IAA and the weapon of the attacker stands seized.
He said that medical examination of the accused has been conducted and a detailed investigation into incident is underway covering all angles. Updates shall be shared periodically.
Dr Farooq also raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
“There is an elected government, but that government does not have powers. How is this possible? Statehood was promised in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. Where is that statehood now?” he asked.
Dr Farooq further spoke about rising economic pressures on the middle class amid global instability.
“Poverty is increasing. Prices of oil and gas are going up. Global conflicts, like the war in Iran, will affect us more. The middle class is under strain,” he said.
Dr Farooq further made a heartfelt appeal for unity and compassion. “Our Hindu brothers, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists—all want to live in friendship. If I have a headache, you take the same medicine. We are humans. Let us try to live like humans. God saved me, and I thank Him. I thank my security personnel, my colleagues, and everyone who prayed for me. May we all strive to live with compassion and courage,” he said.
