Gunman Opens Fire at Farooq Abdullah in Jammu Wedding Event, Arrested by Security
Former J&K Chief Minister escapes unharmed after swift action by security personnel during a wedding function in Jammu.
A shocking security incident took place on Wednesday night in Jammu when an armed man allegedly attempted to shoot veteran National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah during a wedding ceremony.
The incident occurred at the Royal Park venue in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. According to reports, Abdullah, 88, was attending the wedding of a party leader’s daughter along with Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. The attack reportedly happened when they were leaving the venue.
Police said the accused, identified as 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal from Purani Mandi in Jammu, approached Abdullah from behind and fired a shot at close range using a licensed pistol. However, Abdullah escaped unharmed after his Z+ category security team, including National Security Guard (NSG) personnel, quickly intervened and prevented the attack.
During the commotion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary reportedly suffered minor splinter injuries. He was immediately given medical attention and is said to be stable.
Eyewitnesses said people present at the wedding overpowered Jamwal and beat him before police arrived at the scene and took him into custody. Authorities also recovered the firearm used in the attack.
During initial questioning, the accused allegedly told police that he had been planning to kill Abdullah for nearly 20 years and described it as his “personal agenda.” Police officials said Jamwal appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident. Investigators have so far ruled out any terrorist connection and believe it was driven by a personal grievance.
Reacting to the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his father had a “very close shave.” In a social media post, he expressed relief and raised concerns about how an armed individual managed to get close to a leader with Z+ level security.
Farooq Abdullah later said that “God saved me,” adding that despite strong security arrangements, attackers sometimes manage to find opportunities.
Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident, including the background and motive of the accused and how he managed to breach security at the event. The episode has once again raised questions about safety arrangements for high-profile leaders.
