National Conference (JKNC) Jammu Province unit led by Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta on Thursday staged a strong protest march in Jammu city condemning the assassination attempt on the NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
The protest march led by Gupta, began from the party’s provincial headquarters, Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan and passed through the busy markets of Raghunath Bazar and Residency Road before culminating at City Chowk, where party leaders and workers raised slogans demanding strict action against the assailant.
Senior party leader and Additional General Secretary Ajay Sadhotra, along with several other leaders and party activists, participated in the protest. Demonstrators carried placards condemning the attack and called for exemplary punishment for those responsible. They also raised slogans against the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Earlier in the day, a resolution was passed at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan strongly condemning the attack and demanding a thorough investigation into the incident. The resolution also sought a probe into the absence of local police personnel in and around the venue where Dr. Abdullah had gone to attend a marriage function at the time of the incident. The party further demanded the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the Union government and the Lieutenant Governor administration have failed to ensure the safety and security of the people in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Sadhotra strongly condemned the attack and demanded immediate and stern action against the perpetrator. He stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation to uncover any hidden hands behind the incident.
He also called for enhanced security arrangements for Dr. Farooq Abdullah as well as other senior leaders of the party, both during public engagements and official events.
Addressing the gathering, Gupta expressed serious concern over the prevailing security situation in the Union Territory. He said that if a senior and prominent leader like Dr. Farooq Abdullah could be targeted, it raised grave questions about the safety of ordinary citizens.
“If the tallest leader of Jammu and Kashmir like Dr. Farooq Sahib is not safe and a gun could reach his neck, then who is safe in the region?” Gupta asked. “This incident exposes the alarming security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. The person behind this attack must be given exemplary punishment, and the agencies must uncover the individuals and organisations involved in this conspiracy,” he said.
Gupta further stated that the situation highlighted the urgent need for restoring power to the democratic government in the region. “It is high time that the Government of India restores full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and allows an elected local government to handle administrative and security matters. The Union government and the Lieutenant Governor administration seem to have failed on the security front,” he added.
Similar protest demonstrations were also organised by National Conference workers at district headquarters across Jammu province, where party cadres voiced strong condemnation of the incident and demanded accountability from the authorities