SRINAGAR: A 63-year-old man arrested for allegedly attempting to shoot former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah at a wedding in Jammu claimed in a viral video that he had been planning the attack for two decades. Police, however, have not verified his claim.
In the video, the accused says, “I wanted to kill Farooq Abdullah for the last 20 years. It was my personal agenda. I tried today but it did not happen. The weapon is my personal weapon and it has been issued to me.” He also claims that he is 63 years old and currently unemployed.
Jammu South SP Ajay Sharma said a firing incident occurred at a marriage function attended by Abdullah. The shooting was carried out with a licensed weapon within the jurisdiction of Gangyal police station. The accused has been arrested and a detailed investigation is underway. Police added that there is no terror angle and that the former chief minister was unhurt.
Reacting to the incident, Kashmir chief priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on X that the news of an attempt on Abdullah’s life was “concerning and condemnable,” while expressing relief that he escaped unharmed.
Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone also condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act and thanking God that Abdullah and others present were safe. PDP legislator Waheed Parra described the incident as “shocking and deeply unfortunate,” adding that violence against such a veteran leader is unacceptable.
National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi also condemned the incident, calling it reprehensible and stressing that those responsible must be dealt with strictly according to the law.
