JAMMU, Mar 12: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday offered a vivid first-hand account of a security scare involving National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, stressing the swift intervention of security personnel that prevented a major tragedy.
Recounting the incident to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary described the precariousness of the moment, stating the high-profile nature of those present. “Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and a Union Minister, along with several senior leaders, was there with extensive security cover. I was standing behind a pistol,” he said, explaining that he was walking on Dr Abdullah’s left side while Nasir Aslam Wani flanked him on the right.
The Deputy Chief Minister lauded the quick response of the security teams. “I commend all his security personnel, my own team, and Nasir Sahib’s security detail for their timely action. Without it, the death we witnessed up close… when a bullet is fired, it does not distinguish between religion, caste, or community. It can go anywhere,” he said, reflecting on the indiscriminate nature of the threat.
Choudhary expressed profound relief that everyone, particularly Dr Abdullah, emerged unharmed. “We are grateful that our leader and NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib’s life was saved, and all of us safely exited the situation.”
“My security personnel ensured Dr Sahib was taken out first; I left later. My PSO and team subsequently went to the police station to sort out formalities. You can gauge the gravity from this,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister steered clear of speculation, urging focus on the incident itself. “I would only say, instead of dwelling on other aspects, we must ask why this attack happened.” (KNS)
