Kharge, Ramzan raise issue in Rajya Sabha; J&K leaders condemn attack
Srinagar/New Delhi, Mar 12 (KNO): The assassination attempt on former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah echoed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, with Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge and National Conference MP Choudhary Ramzan expressing concern over the incident and demanding stronger security arrangements for the veteran leader.
Speaking in the House, Kharge as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the attack on Dr Farooq was a serious matter and raised concerns over the law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
“An attack was carried out on Farooq Abdullah Sahib. If the attacker had got even a minute or two more, he could have killed him,” Kharge said while addressing the Rajya Sabha.
He said the incident indicated that the safety of senior political leaders was under threat and urged the government to take the matter seriously.
Meanwhile, participating in the discussion, National Conference MP Choudhary Ramzan also called for an immediate upgrade in the security cover of Farooq Abdullah.
Ramzan, as per KNO told the House that the veteran leader survived the attack because people around him acted swiftly and managed to overpower the attacker.
“At the time of the incident, Dr Farooq Abdullah had security cover and his workers were around him. It was due to their efforts that the attacker was overpowered and his life was saved,” Ramzan said.
Ramzan also claimed that a senior political leader accompanying Dr Farooq was injured during the scuffle before the attacker was subdued.
Ramzan further highlighted Abdullah’s long political career and contributions to Jammu and Kashmir, saying he had served the region multiple times as Chief Minister and played an important role in maintaining political stability.
He urged the government to ensure better protection for the veteran leader and upgrade his security cover to prevent such incidents in the future.
J&K POLITICAL LEADERS CONDEMN ATTACK; DEMAND THOROUGH PROBE
Meanwhile, political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday strongly condemned the firing incident targeting National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah. They expressed relief that he escaped unharmed while calling for a thorough investigation into the security breach.
As per the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), president Mehbooba Mufti said she was shocked to hear about the “grave attack” on Abdullah but was relieved to know that he is safe.
“Shocked to hear about the grave attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab. Relieved to know that he’s safe and doing well. Hope police gets to the bottom of this very perturbing security lapse,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Kashmir’s Chief Cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq described the incident as concerning and condemnable, saying that the fact that someone carrying a loaded weapon managed to get so close to Abdullah and fire needs to be thoroughly probed.
People’s Conference president Sajad Lone also condemned the incident, terming it a cowardly act.
“Condemn the cowardly firing at Dr Farooq sahib and Surinder Choudhary Ji and Nasir Aslam sahib. Thanks to Allah Almighty that they are safe,” he said.
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also expressed relief that Abdullah escaped unharmed in the firing incident.
“Glad to know that Farooq Abdullah Sahib escaped unharmed in the firing incident in Jammu. The assailant has been arrested, but the matter must be thoroughly investigated to determine whether it was just a drunken act by the attacker or something more serious,” Bukhari said in another Tweet.
Awami National Conference president Begum Khalida Shah further condemned what she termed an assassination attempt on Abdullah a “mala fide conspiracy.”
Member Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also condemned the incident, calling it reprehensible.
In a statement, his office said the MP expressed deep concern over the firing reportedly targeting Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during the function and stressed that those responsible must be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president, Tariq Hameed Karra termed the incident shocking and deeply disturbing, saying it raises serious concerns.
“People deserve safety, stability and a secure environment, and it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that such incidents are not repeated,” Karra said, while praying for the safety and well-being of everyone.
Similarly, the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir Ul Islam also condemned the attack on former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, calling it “concerning and condemnable.”
Additionally, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) also condemned the shocking assassination attempt on senior political leader and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah in Jammu last night.
In a statement issued here, KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan described the incident as a deeply disturbing and cowardly act that threatens the democratic fabric and peaceful atmosphere of the region. He said that such acts of violence have no place in a civilized society and must be condemned unequivocally by all sections of society.
Khan said that targeting senior political leadership is not only an attack on an individual but also an assault on democratic values and political stability. He urged the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice without delay.
In the meanwhile, a condemnation meeting was held at the Nawai Subha Complex, the headquarters of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), against the attempted assassination of party president Farooq Abdullah. Several MLAs, senior leaders and party workers gathered at the party headquarters to strongly condemn the incident and express solidarity with Dr Farooq Abdullah.
Notably, the assailant involved in the firing was arrested and further investigation into the incident is underway. The accused, identified as Kamal Singh, was produced before a Jammu court by the police and has been sent to five days of police remand. (KNO)
