Srinagar, Mar 11: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt late Wednesday, officials said. He was accompanied by Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary when a man opened fire at their cavalcade while returning from a marriage function.

Both leaders were unharmed, thanks to the swift action of their close protection team, which intercepted the attacker and deflected the shot at point-blank range. The suspect, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, was overpowered by security personnel and arrested on the spot. Police are currently interrogating him as part of an ongoing investigation.
Commenting on the incident, Abdullah’s son and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock at the breach in security. “Allah is kind. My father had a very close shave. The details are sketchy, but a man with a loaded pistol got within point-blank range. It was only the close protection team that ensured the attempt failed. There are more questions than answers, including how someone was able to get this close to a Z NSG-protected former CM,” he said on X.
Authorities have launched a thorough inquiry to determine the motive behind the attack and to assess the lapses in security arrangements. The incident has raised concerns about the protection protocols for high-profile leaders in the Union Territory.
No casualties were reported, and the situation has been brought under control. Security forces continue to monitor the area and maintain heightened vigilance following the attempted attack.