SRINAGAR: Lawmakers in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly united on Wednesday to condemn the recent assassination attempt on veteran politician Farooq Abdullah and called for a high-level judicial inquiry into alleged security lapses. The debate, which saw participation from across party lines, underscored widespread concern regarding the safety of elected representatives in the region.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the assembly session was dominated by discussions on the security of lawmakers, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, following the incident. Members expressed distress over the ease with which an individual managed to approach Abdullah, a former Chief Minister and a prominent political figure.
Farooq Abdullah, 86, had a narrow escape on March 11 when a 63-year-old assailant opened fire at close range during a wedding ceremony in Jammu. The attacker was apprehended by bystanders at the scene. Preliminary police investigations indicated that the accused had been planning the assassination for two decades.
Initiating the debate, National Conference legislator Salman Sagar emphasized the far-reaching implications of the attack. “If a person like Farooq Abdullah is not safe, what can be said about others,” he stated, advocating for a transparent and time-bound judicial probe overseen by a sitting High Court judge.
Members from both the ruling coalition and the opposition benches described the incident as deeply disturbing. They raised critical questions about how an attacker could get so close to a leader who holds Z-Plus security status. Several legislators demanded accountability within the police department and called for action against officials deemed responsible for the security breach.
Health Minister Sakeena Itoo commented on the lack of immediate disciplinary action, stating that it had amplified public concerns. She stressed the importance of making a credible and time-bound investigation report public to restore confidence in the security apparatus.
While the house unanimously condemned the attack on Abdullah, the ensuing discussion broadened to encompass the general security of all lawmakers in Jammu and Kashmir. People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone and PDP legislator Waheed ur Rehman Parra voiced concerns over what they described as selective or inconsistent security arrangements, particularly impacting opposition leaders.
Parra characterized security in Jammu and Kashmir as a “non-negotiable necessity,” asserting that elected representatives operate within a sensitive environment and require consistent protection. He alleged that the withdrawal of escorts, downgrading of security cover, and denial of secure accommodation had increased the vulnerability of several leaders. Referencing former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Parra noted that the denial of secure housing and protection raised serious questions and called for immediate corrective measures.
Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra also highlighted concerns over reported withdrawals of security escorts for Valley-based legislators, warning that such actions could endanger lives. Several other MLAs echoed these sentiments, stating that security escorts for legislators based in Kashmir had been reduced or withdrawn, thereby limiting their mobility and their ability to visit their constituencies.
National Conference members noted that the absence of escorts had effectively restricted their movement. Some linked this issue to the recent attack on Abdullah, suggesting an urgent review of security arrangements was necessary. Riyaz Bedar, a legislator with a background in policing, cautioned that the situation could indicate deeper systemic concerns that required immediate attention.
The debate also featured strong personal interventions, notably from Sajjad Lone, who drew parallels between the attack on Abdullah and the assassination of his father, Abdul Gani Lone. Lone cautioned against the use of security as a political tool and called for an impartial framework to ensure protection for all leaders, irrespective of their political affiliation. He also urged that the individual who assisted in preventing the attack on Abdullah be identified and honored.
CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami and other members stated that such incidents raised serious concerns about democratic stability and must be addressed through transparent processes. A key demand articulated across party lines was the institution of a judicial probe monitored by a sitting High Court judge. Legislators argued that only an independent inquiry could establish accountability, examine potential larger motives, and restore public trust. Some members also called for strict punishment for the attacker, reflecting the seriousness with which the House viewed the incident.
Concluding the discussion, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather acknowledged the attack as a serious matter and assured members that their concerns would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities. He informed the House that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had taken note of the incident and had spoken with Abdullah. He expressed confidence that the investigation would be carried to its conclusion and that those responsible would be held accountable.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
