ISLAMABAD: In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), former chief minister Farooq Abdullah had a narrow escape when a gunman opened fire from behind while the veteran leader was leaving a marriage venue, Indian media reported on Thursday.

The incident happened during a marriage function on Wednesday night.

The assailant, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, allegedly targeted Abdullah, who is the president of the ruling National Conference, during the event in the Greater Kailash area.

The gunman was overpowered and arrested after he fired a gunshot, Indian media reported.

Abdullah said the assailant had managed to get right behind his neck.

"At the last minute, he was overpowered by the security personnel, including the NSG. I was immediately put into my car and driven away safely," he added.

While the senior Abdullah declined to comment on the security lapse, his son and IIOJK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern in a post on X.

"....what is known is that a man with a loaded pistol was able to get within point-blank range and discharge a shot. It was only the close protection team that deflected the shot and ensured the assassination attempt failed," he said.

He also said, "There are more questions than answers at the moment, including how someone was able to get this close to a Z NSG-protected former CM."

Following the incident, the chief minister drove straight to his father's residence.

Measures to further tighten protection are underway, including the upgrading of jammers used in convoys.

Farooq Abdullah

Former Indian occupied Kashmir CM Abdullah survives attempt on life, man arrested