Security – Gunshot Fired Near Farooq Abdullah During Wedding Event in Jammu

Security –  Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped harm after a man fired a shot at close range during a wedding ceremony in Jammu late Wednesday evening. The National Conference president was attending the private event along with Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary when the incident unfolded. Despite the sudden gunfire, both leaders were reported safe and unharmed.

Incident Occurs Outside Wedding Venue

The firing took place in the upscale Greater Kailash area of Jammu as Abdullah and Choudhary were leaving the marriage function. According to preliminary accounts, a man approached the former chief minister from behind while he was near the exit of the venue. The situation escalated quickly when the individual pulled out a pistol and discharged a shot.

Security personnel stationed with Abdullah reacted immediately. Two officers, identified as an inspector and a sub-inspector from the protection team, rushed to restrain the suspect before any further shots could be fired. Their swift action prevented the situation from escalating further and ensured that no injuries occurred.

Suspect Taken Into Custody

Police officials confirmed that the person responsible for the firing was apprehended on the spot. The accused has been identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, a resident of the Purani Mandi area in Jammu. After being subdued by security officers, Jamwal was taken into custody and transported for questioning.

Authorities also seized the pistol used in the incident. Early reports suggest that the weapon was licensed. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding how the firearm was brought to the venue and whether the act was premeditated or spontaneous.

Police later stated that the suspect, who is in his seventies, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Officials are continuing to verify the details while questioning the accused.

Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation

In an official statement, police said that the security personnel assigned to protect the former chief minister acted quickly to neutralize the threat. According to the statement, the accused approached Abdullah from behind and managed to fire a single shot before he was disarmed and detained.

Superintendent of Police (City South) Ajay Sharma confirmed that the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Gangyal police station. He said investigators are conducting a detailed probe to establish the sequence of events.

Sharma clarified that there is currently no indication of a terror-related motive behind the firing. Instead, the case is being examined as an isolated criminal incident involving a licensed weapon.

Reaction From Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reacted to the incident with relief, noting that his father had narrowly avoided harm. In a message posted on social media platform X, he said the situation could have been far worse if the security team had not responded quickly.

He also pointed out that several questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding how an individual carrying a loaded firearm was able to reach such close proximity to a former chief minister who is under high-level security protection.

Omar Abdullah emphasized that the protective team’s quick reflexes prevented what might have become a serious attack.

Concerns Raised Over Security Arrangements

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary described the event as a serious lapse in security arrangements. Speaking to reporters after the incident, he expressed concern that a person carrying a firearm managed to enter an event attended by multiple high-profile leaders.

Choudhary noted that when senior political figures, including the former chief minister and the deputy chief minister, are present at a gathering, security systems are expected to be stringent. The fact that a weapon was brought so close to the venue has raised questions about the effectiveness of those measures.

Leaders Had Attended Party Worker’s Family Event

Officials said Abdullah and Choudhary had arrived at the venue to congratulate National Conference leader B S Chouhan on the occasion of his son’s wedding. They remained at the function for over an hour before leaving, which is when the incident occurred near the exit area.

Security agencies are now reviewing the arrangements made at the venue and examining whether any procedural lapses occurred during the event.

Authorities have assured that the investigation will determine how the suspect gained access to the area and what led to the firing incident.