Bhubaneswar: The assassination attempt on National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has drawn widespread condemnation. BJD MP Sasmit Patra on Friday described the attack as “highly condemnable” and highlighted the serious security lapses that allowed such an incident to occur.
Speaking to ANI, Patra emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “This clearly shows a lack of intelligence and security preparedness. It highlights that there was no proper security arrangement in such a high-security zone.” He stressed the urgent need for improved safety measures, adding, “We need to take more stringent security measures.”
Calling for accountability, Patra said, “This has to be taken very seriously, and strict action has to be taken to ensure that such a lapse does not happen again.”
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday also raised concerns over security in the Union Territory following the assassination attempt on National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, questioning what it means for the safety of ordinary citizens if such a high-profile leader can be targeted.
Speaking to ANI, Choudhary said the focus should be on understanding how the attack occurred rather than engaging in political debate over unrelated issues.
“… Whatever people say today, we would like to ask them that instead of talking about this and that, they should tell why this attack happened. If Farooq Abdullah, who is a highly protected man, can be attacked, then what will be the condition of a common man?…,” Choudhary told ANI.
Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah on Thursday recounted the incident and called on the Centre to focus on improving the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The former Chief Minister emphasised the need for unity and democratic functioning while raising concerns about the powers of the elected government in the Union Territory.