In response to the recent assassination attempt against him, former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah expressed his lack of animosity towards anyone and questioned the motives of the assailant. Dr. Abdullah, speaking from his residence in Jammu, emphasized his open-door policy and willingness to help others, stating that he has never harmed anyone, even during his tenure as chief minister.
Acknowledging a call from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Dr. Abdullah mentioned that the assailant had been apprehended and assured of a thorough investigation. Refraining from speculating on any conspiracy behind the attack, he deferred the matter to investigators, emphasizing his unfamiliarity with the assailant and his first sighting of the individual’s photo on a mobile phone.
Dr. Abdullah commended the security personnel from J&K Police and NSG commandos for their swift response during the incident, where shots were fired but no harm was inflicted. He attributed such incidents to the escalating terrorism in the country and urged the Central government and the L-G to acknowledge the ongoing challenges in J&K, emphasizing the need for restored freedom of movement in the region.
Reflecting on the statehood issue in J&K, Dr. Abdullah highlighted the absence of promised statehood despite assurances in Parliament and the Supreme Court. He underscored the importance of democracy, emphasizing the coexistence of differing viewpoints and the necessity of dissent in a democratic society.
