Man who opened fire at Farooq Abdullah had been waiting for 20 years to target him

Police have initiated a detailed probe into the antecedents of Kamal Singh Jamwal, the man who allegedly tried to assassinate former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah at a marriage function here, officials said on Thursday.

Police are examining the 63-year-old Jamwal's background, including his personal, social and possible organisational links, to ascertain the motive behind the firing incident, they said.

Abdullah, the president of the National Conference, had a narrow escape when the accused allegedly fired at him from behind as he was leaving the marriage function at Greater Kailash on the outskirts of Jammu on Wednesday night.

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Security personnel deployed with Abdullah immediately swung into action and thwarted the assassination attempt. A licensed pistol allegedly used in the crime was recovered from Jamwal's possession.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, were also accompanying the NC chief when the incident occurred.

Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, reportedly told police that he had been waiting for an opportunity to target Abdullah for the last 20 years. Officials said police are also examining his recent activities and movements before the attack.

Senior police officers are currently questioning Jamwal, who told investigators that he earns his livelihood from the rent generated by his shops.

Officials said security arrangements at the venue are being reviewed to determine how the accused managed to enter the function with a weapon.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal has condemned the incident saying "such acts of violence are unacceptable and have no place in a democratic and civilised society".

"Since the accused has been arrested, the authorities must ensure a thorough and transparent investigation so that the complete facts behind the attack come to light and strict action is taken," Sirwal said.