God saved me: Farooq Abdullah after attack
Eighty-eight-year-old Farooq Abdullah on Thursday recounted surviving a late-night assassination attempt at a marriage function in Greater Kailash, Jammu, saying, “God saved me,” in the presence of party colleagues and well-wishers at his Bhatindi residence.
The attack was carried out by 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi, who allegedly told police he had “wanted to kill Farooq Abdullah for the past 20 years.” Jamwal opened fire at close range but was overpowered by security personnel.
In a video circulated online, he admitted, “Today I got a chance, but he escaped,” and cited personal motives without further explanation.
Dr Abdullah described the attack, saying he initially mistook gunshots for firecrackers. A second shot was prevented when security intervened, destabilising the attacker and causing his pistol to misfire.
“They quickly put me into my car and told me, ‘Sir, it was actually a pistol.’ They said the person had fired two shots at me,” he said. Abdullah said he did not know the attacker and questioned the absence of police at the event, noting the presence of several prominent figures.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called to check on Abdullah and assured him a thorough investigation would be conducted. Abdullah praised his personal security officers and NSG personnel for their swift response. His son, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, highlighted the security lapse, noting the attacker got within point-blank range.
Several leaders have called for an investigation. Abdullah also reiterated his demand for the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the elected Government does not yet enjoy full powers. “Elections were held with the promise that statehood would be restored… Years have passed - where is that statehood?” he asked. He linked rising prices, the global economic situation, and the ongoing Iran conflict to increasing economic pressure, particularly on the middle class.
Abdullah also warned that societal hatred is deepening, shrinking space for those advocating communal harmony. “Yes, there is law and order disorder. The biggest tragedy is that hatred in the country has taken deep roots. There is very little space left for those who talk about friendship and love between religions,” he said, adding that no religion teaches hatred.
Responding to claims of a possible conspiracy in the attack, Abdullah said such matters should be investigated. He requested that authorities assess whether the environment is truly safe enough for citizens to move freely with dignity.
