The assailant, identified as 65-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal, a resident of Jammu’s Purani Mandi, reportedly approached Dr. Abdullah from behind as he was exiting the venue. According to eyewitness accounts and verified CCTV footage, Jamwal drew a licensed pistol and aimed it directly at the veteran leader. Alert National Security Guard (NSG) commandos from Abdullah’s Z-Plus protection team immediately lunged at the attacker, grabbing his arm and forcing the weapon upward just as two shots were discharged into the air.
During preliminary interrogation, Jamwal—who was reportedly in an inebriated state—made the startling confession that he had been "waiting for this moment for 20 years," claiming the attack was part of a long-held personal agenda. Following the scuffle, the assailant was overpowered by the close protection team and handed over to the local police.
The incident has ignited a fierce political firestorm regarding the security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who flew to Jammu on Thursday morning to be with his father, raised pointed questions over the lapse. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister emphasized that while his father is entitled to the highest level of civilian security, the local police presence at the private function appeared non-existent. "There are more questions than answers at the moment, including how someone was able to get this close to a Z-Plus NSG protected former CM," he wrote, crediting the "close protection team" for thwarting the bid.
Echoing these concerns, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who was standing beside Dr. Abdullah during the firing, described the event as a "serious security lapse." Choudhary noted with concern that while the NSG was present, there was a visible absence of local police coordination at a high-profile gathering attended by several top-tier protectees.
Responding to the gravity of the situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Dr. Abdullah via telephone to enquire about his well-being and assured him of a comprehensive, high-level probe. Meanwhile, the elder Abdullah remained composed, telling reporters on Thursday morning that "God saved me," while lamenting the "era of hatred" that he believes fuels such acts of violence.
As investigators delve into Jamwal’s background and potential organizational links, the incident underscores the fragile security climate in the region, placing the spotlight firmly on the administrative coordination between the Union-controlled police force and the elected government’s leadership.
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