Leaders across parties seek probe into Farooq Abdullah attack
Cutting across party lines, several legislators on Saturday demanded a judicial probe by a sitting High Court judge to unravel the plot behind targeting Farooq Abdullah at a marriage function in Jammu on March 11, 2026.
88-year-old Dr Abdullah had a miraculous escape at a marriage function when a 63-year-old resident from the walled city area of Jammu attempted to assassinate him from a very close range. The attacker was overpowered and arrested with a revolver.
Police have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) under the supervision of a deputy inspector general of Police (DIG) to probe the attack.
Meanwhile, members belonging to both the treasury and Opposition benches voiced serious concerns during the discussion, highlighting the absence of adequate security arrangements at the venue.
Demanding accountability to be fixed by the UT administration, several legislators questioned how an attacker managed to come dangerously close to 88-year-old Abdullah after sneaking inside the venue with a pistol.
Winding up a two-hour-long discussion, speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha had interacted with Abdullah following the incident and expressed confidence that the investigation would be taken to its logical conclusion, with the culprit receiving exemplary punishment.
“What we have discussed today must be strongly conveyed and amplified. Those responsible for law and order must clearly understand that this is not an ordinary incident; it is a serious matter connected to broader concerns. Abdullah is not an ordinary individual; he is a nationally and internationally recognised personality who has served the country during difficult times,” Rather said.
He said the House had collectively expressed concern and assured that the matter would be pursued and that necessary steps should be taken to prevent recurrence.
“There are also concerns about the conduct and mindset of the individual involved. Reports suggest that he showed no remorse and behaved in a manner that indicates deeper issues, which need thorough investigation,” the speaker said.
