JAMMU, March 12: Kamal Singh Jamwal, the man who allegedly made a murderous attempt on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, has confessed before the police that he had been waiting for an opportunity to target Abdullah for the last 20 years.
Officials on Thursday ruled out the possibility of further arrests, stating that the 63-year-old accused appeared to have acted alone. Police have initiated a detailed probe into the antecedents of Jamwal to unravel the mystery behind the Wednesday night firing at a marriage function in the Greater Kailash area, an incident that has sparked widespread condemnation.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the law, including attempt to murder and firing a weapon. Investigators are examining Jamwal’s background, including his personal, social, and possible organisational links, to ascertain the motive. Abdullah had a narrow escape when the accused allegedly fired at him from point-blank range from behind as he was leaving the venue.
Security personnel immediately intervened to thwart the attempt and recovered a licensed pistol from Jamwal’s possession. At the time of the incident, J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Nasir Aslam Wani, adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, were accompanying the National Conference chief.
Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, was reportedly under the influence of liquor during the attack. Investigations so far suggest he acted alone while in an intoxicated condition. Senior officers are currently questioning the accused, who informed investigators that he earns his livelihood from shop rentals.
Security arrangements at the venue are being reviewed to determine how Jamwal managed to enter with a weapon. The accused, who is married with three children, was accompanying the wedding procession as a relative of the groom’s family. Abdullah was attending the function to bless the couple on the invitation of a party colleague.
Officials noted that Jamwal was initially associated with the Jagran Manch and later joined the National Panthers Party, having once unsuccessfully contested municipal elections.
The attack has drawn sharp criticism across political lines. BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal condemned the act, stating, “such acts of violence are unacceptable and have no place in a democratic and civilised society.” (PTI)
