Our Bureau
Jammu
In a shocking security breach, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah dodged what appeared to be a point-blank assassination attempt during a wedding reception. The 88-year-old National Conference patriarch was leaving the event when an armed assailant lunged from behind, firing at him that was miraculously deflected by his close protection team.
Eyewitnesses described chaos erupting amid the festivities. The gathering marked the daughter of the local legal cell president’s marriage, attended by politicians including Deputy CM and advisors. The bullet whizzed past, striking no one, as security personnel tackled the attacker, wrestled away the weapon, and held him until police arrived.
CCTV footage circulating online captures the tense moment: Abdullah, flanked by supporters, strolls casually before the sudden scuffle. J&K NC MLA Ajaz Ahmed Jan, present at the scene, praised the quick response. “He fired but missed; we pinned him down immediately. Thankfully, Farooq Sahib is unharmed and resting.”
The incident has ignited outrage over lapses in Z+ NSG cover for the veteran leader. Son and current CM Omar Abdullah vented on social media: “A loaded pistol got within inches, Allah’s grace and our team’s reflexes saved him. How did this happen?” He demanded a probe into the breach.
Police confirmed the suspect’s arrest and ongoing interrogation, terming it a “cognisance taken” case with no group links yet revealed. J&K Police vowed a thorough investigation amid heightened alerts.
Abdullah, known for his fiery politics and recent unity pleas against “fascist forces,” dismissed the scare lightly to reporters: “Sounded like a firecracker, life goes on.”
