Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharg on Thursday criticized the Union government over the assassination attempt on former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, terming it an example of failure to secure the region and demanding its restoration of statehood.
Abdullah escaped unhurt in an attack on the outskirts of Jammu on Wednesday. The accused, Kamal Singh Jammwal, was overpowered after a single shot was fired.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Karji said law and order was failing and there appeared to be plans to “kill important leaders”, triggering a sharp reaction.
Karg attacked the Union government, which oversees security in Jammu and Kashmir, saying no lesson had been learned from last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, for which Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha claimed responsibility.
Karg asked if the Union government had a plan to assassinate leaders pushing for secularism and socialism, sparking protests. He sought to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, saying people were not “safe in your area”. [Union government]”hands.”
In 2019, Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its statehood and semi-autonomous status under Article 370 of the Constitution, and was divided into two union territories. In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the changes but directed the government to restore statehood “as soon as possible.”
Union Minister JP Nadda rejected Kharge’s statements, saying that the government would conduct the necessary investigation. He condemned Kharg’s allegations. “I assure that any investigation required will be conducted… Such incidents cannot happen again. But not everything can be seen through a political lens… Giving a political angle is inappropriate.”
He criticized Nada Kharja for linking the assassination attempt to the state’s demand. He added: “It is a serious accusation that the government is planning to kill…” He said Kharge’s accusations reflect Congress’ way of thinking. Nadda raised the issue of the mysterious death of Syama Prasad Mukherjee, leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the forerunner of the Bharatiya Janata Party, in Jammu and Kashmir in the 1950s.
Chaudhry Muhammad Ramzan, a Rajya Sabha member of Abdullah’s National Conference, echoed Kharjee’s words in pressing for restoration of statehood. He questioned the absence of the police from the scene of the accident. Ramadan said that members of the Special Protection Group and Abdullah’s security were able to overpower the attacker.
Ramzan said Deputy Prime Minister Surender Kumar Chowdhury drove the attacker to the local police station. “…Where were the police?” He said. He called for strengthening security for Abdullah.
