Srinagar: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has strongly condemned the assassination attempt on former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, describing the incident as a brazen act of terror that must be dealt with under stringent anti-terror laws.
In a statement issued here, the federation said the firing incident occurred during a private function in Jammu and endangered not only the life of the senior political leader, who is also president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, but also the safety of others present at the venue.
FCIK said that among those accompanying Abdullah at the time were Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, commonly known as Sogami.
The federation stated that such targeted acts of violence are not merely attacks on individuals but represent a direct assault on democratic values, civil discourse and public order. It warned that the mindset behind such incidents reflects a worrying rise in hatred, intolerance and radicalised thinking in public spaces.
According to FCIK, if such tendencies are not checked, they could undermine the foundations of a plural and democratic society.
The organisation stressed that violence driven by hatred or intolerance must be treated with utmost seriousness and demanded that the assailant be booked under relevant terrorism-related laws to send a strong deterrent message against attempts to spread fear and disrupt democratic engagement.
FCIK also urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, including an examination of the alleged security lapse that allowed the attacker to gain access to the venue while carrying a weapon.
The federation said accountability in such cases is essential not only to ensure justice but also to restore public confidence in the safety of democratic and public institutions.
Expressing relief that Farooq Abdullah and other dignitaries escaped the attack unharmed, FCIK conveyed solidarity with them and prayed for their continued safety and well-being.
