Jammu’s political serenity was shattered Wednesday night when a gunman ambushed National Conference leader Dr. Farooq Abdullah at a wedding reception in Greater Kailash. Jammu and Kashmir Police have swung into high gear, scrutinizing every facet of 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal’s life following the daring but failed attempt on the former CM’s life.
As Abdullah stepped out with key figures like Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary and Nasir Aslam Wani, Jamwal – hailing from Purani Mandi and living off shop rents – fired from close range. His security detail’s swift intervention neutralized the threat, leading to his capture and recovery of the pistol.
Jamwal’s interrogation bombshell: a 20-year vendetta against Abdullah. Detectives are probing his shadowy past, networks, and possible organizational links, while reviewing his movements and the event’s lax security that permitted his infiltration.
Leaders united in fury. Ravinder Raina called for a deep dive into causes and enhanced protections. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi warned of the violence’s peril, insisting on severe penalties. Mehbooba Mufti flagged it as a security fiasco; Sajjad Gani Lone, Waheed ur Rehman Para, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned it outright.
Wani shared relief: ‘By God’s grace, Dr. Sahib and we are safe; he’s resting well at home.’ The incident lays bare J&K’s undercurrents of unrest, prompting calls for fortified measures. Police assure a watertight investigation to prevent future perils, as the nation watches for breakthroughs in this high-stakes case.