Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah recounted his ordeal after a gunman opened fire at him at a wedding function in Jammu. The 88-year-old National Conference president said he initially mistook the gunshot for a firecracker and credited 'divine grace' for his narrow escape.
Abdullah was speaking hours after the incident, in which a man allegedly opened fire at him while he was leaving the marriage function. The shot missed the veteran leader, and the gunman was overpowered by security personnel present at the venue.
Recalling the incident, Abdullah said he was unaware that a gun had been fired at him at that moment. He said he thought the loud bang was a firecracker and felt something hot near him.
Police have arrested the accused, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, a 63-year-old resident of Jammu. Officials said the weapon used in the incident was a licensed firearm and ruled out any terror angle.
The firing took place when Abdullah was leaving the wedding venue after attending the function for more than an hour. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and senior National Conference leader Nasir Aslam Wani were also present at the event.
Security personnel quickly intervened and subdued the attacker before he could cause further harm. The firearm used in the incident has been seized, and an investigation is underway.
