Farooq Abdullah's First Reaction to Assassination Bid: 'God Saved Me'

Veteran National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Wednesday evening when a gunman fired at him from point-blank range during a wedding function in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred late on March 11 as Abdullah, a Z+ category protectee guarded by National Security Guard (NSG) commandos, was leaving the marriage ceremony at Royal Park. The attacker, identified as 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal (also reported as Kamal Singh Jamyal), a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, approached from behind and discharged a single shot from a licensed personal pistol. Security personnel swiftly intervened, deflecting the bullet and overpowering the assailant on the spot, preventing any injury to Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, or others present. No casualties were reported, and the weapon was seized.

In his first reaction following the foiled bid, Farooq Abdullah expressed profound gratitude, stating, "God saved me." The remark underscored the miraculous nature of his escape, as the shot came perilously close amid heavy security. His son, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, described the episode as a "very close shave" on social media, noting that details were still emerging but confirming the close protection team's role in deflecting the attempt. Omar raised serious questions about the security lapse, asking how an armed individual managed to penetrate so near a Z+ protectee.

Also Read: #BreakingNews: Farooq Abdullah Attacked; Suspect Claims 20-Year Wait Due to Personal Grudge

Police have taken Jamwal into custody and registered a case, with investigations underway into his motives and background. Reports indicate the attacker harbored a long-standing personal grudge, with viral videos quoting him as saying he had "wanted to kill him for 20 years" over a personal agenda, rather than any apparent terror or political link. Preliminary probes by Jammu police suggest no immediate terror angle, though authorities are examining his antecedents thoroughly.

The event has sparked widespread concern over security protocols for high-profile figures in the region, prompting calls for a review of arrangements at private functions. National Conference leaders, including advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, echoed relief that "Allah is kind" and no harm came to anyone, while emphasizing swift action by security forces. As the investigation progresses, the incident highlights vulnerabilities even for leaders under elite protection in Jammu and Kashmir, amid ongoing political sensitivities in the Union Territory.

Also Read: #BreakingNews: Farooq Abdullah Attacked; Suspect Claims 20-Year Wait Due to Personal Grudge