Bhubaneswar

The assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah, president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, has drawn widespread condemnation, with leaders raising concerns over security arrangements.

Sasmit Patra, MP from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), termed the attack “highly condemnable” and pointed to serious security lapses that allowed the incident to occur.

Speaking to ANI, Patra said the episode highlighted gaps in intelligence and security preparedness.

“This clearly shows a lack of intelligence and security preparedness. It highlights that there was no proper security arrangement in such a high-security zone,” he said, stressing the need for stronger safety measures.

Calling for accountability, Patra added that the matter should be taken seriously and strict action must be ensured to prevent similar lapses in the future.

Meanwhile, Surinder Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, also expressed concern over the security situation in the Union Territory following the incident.

He questioned what the attack meant for the safety of ordinary citizens if a high-profile leader like Abdullah could be targeted.

“If Farooq Abdullah, who is a highly protected man, can be attacked, then what will be the condition of a common man?” Choudhary said.

Abdullah, a former chief minister of the erstwhile state, also recounted the incident and urged the Centre to focus on improving the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

He stressed the importance of unity and democratic functioning while raising concerns about the powers of the elected government in the Union Territory and the delay in restoring statehood.

According to police, the accused, identified as Kamal Singh, allegedly attempted to shoot Abdullah with a loaded pistol at a wedding ceremony held at Royal Park in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu.

The accused, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, was apprehended by security personnel and is currently in custody at Gangyal Police Station.

Police said the National Security Guard (NSG) personnel assigned to protect Abdullah intervened swiftly and foiled the assassination attempt. The firearm used in the incident has been recovered.

A local court has remanded the accused to five days of police custody and directed that a medical examination be conducted within 24 hours.

READ MORE: Women cops and social workers join hands to host Iftar for women

Police said further investigation into the incident is underway.