Centre orders probe into attack on Farooq Abdullah, questions raised over security lapses

Farooq Abdullah

• Centre launches probe after attack on Farooq Abdullah at wedding
• Abdullah escaped unharmed as NSG commandos intervened
• Home minister Amit Shah assures investigation into security lapse

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The Centre has launched a probe into a major security lapse in Jammu and Kashmir after a 63-year-old man armed with a loaded revolver walked up to former chief minister Farooq Abdullah at a wedding function on Wednesday night and fired at him.

Abdullah narrowly escaped as the accused, Kamal Singh Jamwal, missed. The event was attended by several VIPs, including two Z-Plus protectees -- Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary.

Under the Z-Plus security protocol, a protectee is typically guarded by at least half a dozen commandos from the National Security Guard, along with two to three layers of security involving local police and other personnel, besides a bullet-proof vehicle and escort.

Each morning, the protectee’s schedule and travel plans are shared with the security wing to ensure route sanitisation and the deployment of measures such as metal detectors and frisking.

A senior police officer admitted “a security lapse to some extent in respect to the CPT (close protection) and the person (carrying the gun)” while speaking to The Indian Express.

Recounting the incident while speaking to media on Thursday, Abdullah said, "I was walking out of the venue when I heard the sound of a firecracker. Immediately, I was rushed into a car. Later, I was told that there was a man with a pistol who had fired two shots. Neither do I know this man (the accused), nor do I have any information about him.”

"I don't know what his (accused Kamal) intention was. To say it was a security lapse would be a big statement to make. Many big personalities were present at this wedding, but there was no police present. By Allah's grace, my security was present with me, and my life was saved.”

He also informed that he received a call from union home minister Amit Shah, expressing concern and assuring of an investigation into the matter.

According to police, the National Security Guard personnel assigned to protect Farooq Abdullah immediately intervened and successfully thwarted the assassination attempt.

After speaking with Farooq Abdullah, LG Manoj Sinha convened a meeting with top police officials in Jammu, including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Jammu IGP Bhim Sen Tuti, Jammu–Samba–Kathua range DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma and Jammu SSP Joginder Singh.

According to sources cited in The Indian Express report, he directed them to probe the incident thoroughly and ensure robust security arrangements for all protectees.