Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a gunman fired at him from point-blank range outside a marriage hall in Jammu’s Greater Kailash area on Wednesday night. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who was also present, remained unharmed in the incident.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the attack unfolded as Abdullah and Choudhary were leaving the Royal Park marriage hall after attending the wedding reception of the son of party leader B S Chouhan. The accused, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu and in his 70s, approached from behind and discharged a single shot from a pistol before being overpowered. Jammu and Kashmir Police officials stated that two security personnel—an inspector and a sub-inspector from the protection team—swiftly intervened, disarming the assailant and taking him into custody. The weapon was recovered, and initial reports indicate no terror link, with investigations focusing on personal motives. Some sources suggest Jamwal may have been under the influence of alcohol.
Police confirmed the episode as an attempt on the life of the Z+ NSG-protected Abdullah. Security personnel acted promptly to deflect the shot, preventing any injury to the leaders or others at the venue. CCTV footage from the scene, which has circulated widely, shows the dramatic moment when the gunman drew his weapon near the exiting entourage before being subdued by the crowd and security.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, son of Farooq Abdullah, described the incident as a very close shave in a post on X. He noted that a man with a loaded pistol managed to reach point-blank range and fire, but credited the close protection team for foiling what he termed an assassination attempt. Omar Abdullah raised concerns over security lapses, questioning how the assailant could get so close to a highly protected former chief minister and highlighting more questions than answers at present.
The incident has sparked discussions on security protocols for protected personalities in public and semi-public settings, particularly in Jammu, a key city in the Union Territory. Authorities are examining Jamwal’s background, including any prior grievances or connections, through forensic analysis of the firearm, witness accounts, and other evidence. No injuries were reported from the firing, and both Abdullah and Choudhary left the venue safely.
Farooq Abdullah, a prominent figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics for decades, was attending the function in a personal capacity alongside other National Conference members. The quick response by the security detail averted what could have been a major tragedy in the posh Greater Kailash locality. Police continue their probe to establish the full circumstances and motive behind the attack, with Jamwal in custody for further questioning.
The Chenab Times News Desk