Jammu, March 12, KNT: Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma on Thursday termed the attack on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah a conspiracy driven by communal hatred and demanded life imprisonment for the assailant.
The minister said the attack on the veteran leader has triggered serious political concern and condemnation, with leaders warning that targeting senior political figures could damage communal harmony and democratic politics in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters, Sharma said the attacker should be punished strictly and kept behind bars for life for targeting the former chief minister.
“These hatred mongers can be found everywhere instead of those who spread love. These are negative communal fundamentalist people,” Sharma said while condemning the attack.
He said the incident appeared to be part of a larger conspiracy aimed at spreading communal hatred and disturbing social harmony.
Sharma also narrated how Abdullah showed composure even after the attack and advised him not to leave the programme venue.
“Even after the attack, Dr Farooq Abdullah told me to stay at the event so that the morale of the hosts does not go down,” the minister said.
According to Sharma, the accused had earlier been associated with a drug cartel during a period when cough syrups were allegedly misused as addictive substances in parts of Jammu.
The minister said authorities must thoroughly investigate the background of the accused and ensure strict legal action against those responsible.
The attack on Farooq Abdullah has drawn reactions from political circles, with several leaders condemning the incident and calling for a fair investigation. [KNT]
