‘I thought it was a firecracker’: Farooq Abdullah

Suhail Khan

Jammu, Mar 12: A day after a man fired at him during a wedding in Jammu, National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah broke his silence on Thursday. He recounted the moments of the attack and raised serious concerns about an alleged security lapse and the “growing atmosphere of hatred” in the country.

Speaking to Kashmir Convener at his residence, the veteran politician expressed gratitude for his safety while demanding a thorough inquiry into the motive behind the incident that sent shockwaves through the political establishment.

Dr Abdullah provided a minute-by-minute account of his narrow escape on Wednesday evening. “When the bride arrived, we took her permission and left for home. As soon as I came out of the mandap and was walking, I suddenly heard a crackling sound. I thought it was a firecracker,” he said, recalling the moment the assailant struck.

He was unaware of the gravity of the situation until his security personnel rushed him into his vehicle. “Once inside, they told me, ‘Sir, that person had a pistol. He fired two bullets.’ During the second bullet, the security guards and others tried to restrain his hand from behind. He was overpowered,” Dr Farooq said, praising his Personal Security Officers (PSOs) for their swift action. “I have no words. The people who are with me in security put their lives before mine and try to save me.”

 

Phone call from Amit Shah

Dr Farooq said he received a call from Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the incident.

“He asked about my health. I told him, thank God I survived. He said the accused has been caught and there will be an investigation. I told him I hope they get to the bottom of it,” Dr Farooq said.

Dismissing any personal enmity, Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed bewilderment at the attacker’s stated intentions. “I don’t know this man at all. Not at all. He gave a statement that he had been preparing for 20 years and had a personal reason. I have never done anything bad to anyone,” he asserted. “I don’t know what his motive was.”

The NC president said, “I think this is a security lapse. It’s a serious matter. At this wedding, there were many important people. The police should have taken care of it. There was no police there at that time,” he stated.

He noted that the lack of a police presence was a major concern. “The biggest thing is that the police should have been there, not just for me. Important people came to that wedding. In the environment in which we live, it is necessary.”

Dr Farooq confirmed he received a call from Union Home Minister Amit Shah following the incident. “He asked me how I was. I said, ‘I am thankful to Allah that I was saved.’ He said, ‘We have caught him. We will investigate it and let you know what happened.’”

The National Conference president broadened his critique to the prevailing socio-political climate. He linked the incident to a deeper malaise, urging an inquiry to uncover the root cause. “They should conduct the inquiry. Why did it happen? What is the reason? In the environment in which we live today, where there is a web of hatred, we should be careful,” he said.

“The biggest tragedy is that hatred in the country has taken root. There is very little space for those people who talk about friendship, who talk about love. No religion teaches hatred. No religion teaches us to harm each other. I think we have left that religion.”

He added, “Our Hindu brothers are still sitting here. How long will they wait? It’s been 20 years. The time has come to live in peace. Show me a book of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, or Buddhists in which hatred is mentioned.”

The NC president also spoke about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “The biggest issue is an elected government, and that elected government has no power. How is this possible?” he questioned, reminding the Centre of its promise. “It was promised during the election that we will restore statehood. Now tell me, it’s been so many years. Where is that statehood? This promise was not only made in Parliament but also in the Supreme Court.”

Dr Abdullah cited historical examples to make his point. “During Jawaharlal Nehru’s time, when Russia’s army entered a country, the first person who spoke against Russia was Jawaharlal Nehru,” he recalled, also referencing former PM Manmohan Singh’s stance during the India-US nuclear deal.

“Do you know what Manmohan Singh said? ‘This is a sovereign nation. Whatever is in the interest of the sovereign nation, that decision will be taken.’ That is what India is. India remains a sovereign nation, and India should decide what is best for India.”

The former CM further acknowledged the pervasive threat of terrorism. “Terrorism is in our country, not only in our country but in the whole world. The whole world is trying to end it, but it is not happening,” he said.