‘God saved me’: Former J-K CM Farooq Abdullah escapes assassination attempt in Jammu

In a terrifying incident that has raised concerns over security arrangements for high-profile leaders, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah , 88, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while attending a wedding in the Greater Kailash locality on the outskirts of Jammu on Wednesday night.

The assailant, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal , 63, a resident of Purani Mandi, reportedly waited outside the venue and opened fire as Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary were leaving the function to greet party leader B S Chouhan on his son’s marriage. Jamwal, who was reportedly inebriated, managed to fire one shot at point-blank range before being overpowered by two police officers, an inspector and a sub-inspector. NSG personnel assigned to Abdullah also swung into action, swiftly escorting him to safety. No injuries were reported.

Speaking to PTI on Thursday morning, Abdullah said, “God saved me. The assailant had managed to get right behind my neck, but at the last minute he was overpowered by the security personnel. I was immediately put into my car and driven away safely.”

The incident, involving a Z+ category protectee, has prompted a review of security arrangements in the sensitive Union Territory. Abdullah’s son, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah , expressed concern on X, stating: “There are more questions than answers at the moment, including how someone was able to get this close to a Z+ NSG-protected former CM. It was only the vigilance of the close protection team that prevented the assassination.” Authorities are now upgrading convoy jammers, tightening access controls, and reviewing protection for all central government protectees in J&K.

Jamwal reportedly told police he had been waiting for 20 years for an opportunity to target Abdullah. Investigators are examining his personal, social, and possible organizational links to determine the motive behind the attack.