Jammu: Panic broke out during a wedding function in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu on Wednesday evening after a man allegedly opened fire at venue where senior political leaders, including National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, were present.
Officials said the incident occurred near Royal Park in the posh Greater Kailash locality when the leaders had arrived to attend the wedding ceremony of the son of National Conference leader.
According to police, the accused has been identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, a resident of the Purani Mandi area of Jammu. He allegedly opened fire using a licensed weapon, creating panic among guests.
Security personnel and people present at the venue acted swiftly and managed to overpower the accused within minutes. He was immediately taken into custody and the weapon used in the firing was seized.
Senior Superintendent of Police (South) Ajay Sharma said the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Police Station Gangyal and involved a licensed firearm.
“There has been a firing incident using a licensed weapon at a marriage party where former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah was also present. The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Police Station Gangyal. The accused has been arrested and a detailed investigation is going on. There is no terror angle,” Sharma said.
Officials said both Abdullah and the deputy chief minister were coming out of the wedding venue when the accused attempted to fire. Police personnel present at the spot quickly intervened and disarmed the man after he fired a shot.
Abdullah escaped unhurt in the incident, while initial reports suggested that Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary sustained minor injuries from splinters during the commotion. However, officials later said that the injuries were not serious and he was immediately provided medical attention.
Chief Minister’s Adviser Nasir Aslam Wani said the accused had attempted to target Abdullah.
“Almighty saved Farooq Sahab and no one was seriously injured in the incident. The man has been taken into custody and it is too early to comment on why he attempted to attack Farooq Sahab,” Wani told reporters, adding that police are investigating the matter.
He said Abdullah remained safe and in good spirits after the incident.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters outside the venue, Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary termed the episode a serious security lapse and said adequate security personnel were not present at the venue when the firing took place.
Police said the accused appeared to be in an inebriated condition at the time of the incident and is currently being questioned to ascertain the motive behind the attack.
In a video circulating on social media after the incident, the accused allegedly claimed that he had been harbouring personal grievances for 20 years and had been waiting for an opportunity to kill Farooq Abdullah.
Officials, however, said the authenticity of the video and the claims made by the accused are being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the incident, security has been tightened in the Greater Kailash area and police have launched a detailed probe to determine the circumstances that led to the firing and whether the accused had any accomplices.
