New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) Political figures from the Congress party and Jammu & Kashmir expressed their outrage on Thursday regarding the shooting incident that occurred during an event featuring Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leader Farooq Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. They labeled the occurrence as "regrettable" and a "significant security breach," demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the situation.

Numerous leaders voiced their alarm over the security failure, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced protection for both public officials and citizens.

In a conversation with IANS, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari expressed gratitude that Abdullah emerged unscathed while questioning the security measures in place. "I feel disheartened, yet I thank God for his survival. For two decades, those intent on his assassination were unsuccessful, but following the state's transition to central governance as a Union Territory, they succeeded. His security, previously revoked, ought to be reinstated," he stated.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar also denounced the assault, indicating it raises serious doubts about the prevailing law and order situation.

"It is quite unfortunate that a patriotic leader like Farooq Abdullah, who has held the Cabinet Minister position multiple times, was targeted. This incident is inherently alarming. We must scrutinize the law and order scenario—if such attacks can be perpetrated against leaders, how can we ensure the safety of ordinary citizens?" he remarked.

Congress MP Varun Chaudhary referred to the occurrence as a critical security oversight and advocated for stringent preventive actions.

"This represents a major security oversight. Thankfully, a rescue operation was executed, and no harm was inflicted. Nonetheless, to prevent a recurrence of such an incident, a detailed investigation must be initiated and appropriate measures enforced," he stated.

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput also criticized the reduction of Abdullah’s security and insisted it be intensified. "Farooq Abdullah is one of the most veteran leaders in our nation. He has previously been the target of a lethal assault. The central government had diminished his security merely days ago. His protection should be augmented," Rajput asserted.

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla labeled the event as profoundly condemnable and tragic. "The attack on Farooq Abdullah is entirely reprehensible, deeply tragic, and unequivocally wrong," Shukla stated.

President of the Shiv Sena Dogra Front, Ashok Gupta, emphasized that such occurrences should be absent in a democratic society and demanded firm consequences for those accountable.

"In a democracy, the sounds of gunfire should have been silenced by the Lieutenant Governor, and an incident involving a former Chief Minister is exceptionally disgraceful. This type of event should never transpire in a democratic framework. Those responsible for this act must face stringent repercussions," Gupta remarked.

National Conference MLA and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq described the incident as profoundly troubling and called for an exhaustive investigation.

"What transpired yesterday is exceedingly regrettable. A senior politician of this country, a former Union Minister, and multiple-time Cabinet member, was under Z+ category protection. Despite this elevated security, an individual managed to infiltrate a wedding and assault at close range. I view this as extremely grave, warranting a thorough investigation," Sadiq asserted.

National Conference MLA Choudhary Zafar Ali Khatana stated that the incident reflects a severe breakdown in security measures.

"This is a very deplorable incident. I am astonished that such a significant security failure could happen, particularly when grand claims are being made concerning law and order," he expressed.

Former Jammu minister Abdul Gani Malik also voiced his astonishment over the incident and commended the prompt response from security personnel.

"It is profoundly regrettable and shocking. A very serious incident unfolded last night. An individual managed to approach very closely wielding a weapon... Fortunately, the bodyguard acted quickly and took immediate action, which saved the situation," Malik stated.

NC MLA Ajaz Ahmed Jan raised questions about how the assailant was able to breach security protocols. "How did that individual even gain access? Why weren’t adequate security measures established? It’s alarming," he concluded.