Farooq Abdullah’s first reaction after assassination attempt: ‘The murderer always has an advantage’

New Delhi: After attempt on his life, former jammu and kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah reflected on the incident on Thursday, saying: “God saved me.”Sharing brief details of tense moments at a wedding in Greater Kailash district of Jammu, the NC chief told reporters: “When I walked out of the venue, I heard the sound of firecrackers. Immediately, I was rushed into the car. I later learned that a man had a pistol and fired two shots. I do not know this man (the defendant) and have no information about him. “

Farooq further said, “I don’t know what his (accused Kamal’s) intention was. It would be an exaggeration to say it was a security breach. Many celebrities were present at the wedding but there was no police presence. By the grace of Allah, my security personnel were by my side and my life was saved. I did receive a call (from the federal home minister) who inquired about my situation and assured me that they would look into the matter.” There should be an investigation. When there is a situation of hatred now, things like this keep happening… No religion teaches hatred, only love…”He also reflected on the changes in power dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, which converted the state into a Union Territory and brought law and order under the direct control of the Centre. “The Center and UT governments should see if the situation has really improved here. We may have different opinions but we have to work together as we are a democracy and express our opinions…,” he said.Speaking to reporters, Farooq once again demanded restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “The elected government has no power – how can it continue like this? We were promised that we would restore our nationhood…”“No matter how much you tighten security, the killers always have an advantage. The problem is that we live in an era of terrorism and we have no control over it,” he added.This was Abdullah’s first reaction after Kamal Singh Jamwal, a 63-year-old man, suddenly opened fire at the wedding venue, allegedly firing twice at the former chief minister and long-time National Conference leader.CCTV footage from the venue showed Abdullah’s security personnel quickly bringing the tense situation under control.Officials said the incident occurred when Farooq, accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, was returning from a wedding.The suspect was quickly subdued and detained on the spot, preventing harm to the leader.Son of Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah The “very close shave” during the event was reported on social media and questions were raised about a possible security breach.Omar Abdullah said in a post: “God is merciful. My father’s razor came very close. Details are sketchy at this time, but what is known is that a man with a loaded pistol was able to get into close range and fire. Only a close protection team could deflect the shot and ensure the assassination attempt failed. There are more questions than answers at the moment, including but not limited to how anyone could have gotten so close to the former chief minister who was protected by the Z+ NSG.”