 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 14: Senior leader of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, Rajesh Gupta, on Saturday staged a unique symbolic protest in Jammu, expressing his unwavering solidarity, loyalty and dedication to party president Farooq Abdullah following the recent assassination attempt on the veteran leader. In a striking act of protest, Gupta stood alone on a roadside with his hands chained, holding a placard that read: "In Chains for Democracy, Standing with Dr Farooq Abdullah." The dramatic gesture drew attention to what he described as a disturbing assault on democratic values.
Speaking to reporters, Gupta said the attack on Farooq Abdullah was not merely an isolated act of violence but a deeply alarming incident that exposes serious lapses in the security framework meant to protect senior leaders. He said it is shocking that a leader under the highest category of security could be placed in such immediate danger.
Gupta pointed out that events attended by senior political figures normally involve strict security coordination, venue sanitisation and layered policing, yet an armed individual reportedly managed to breach these safeguards and fire at close range.
"Only the swift reflexes of a security commando prevented what could have been a major tragedy," he said, adding that security for leaders under state protection cannot depend on miracles.
Gupta demanded a transparent and time-bound inquiry to determine where the chain of responsibility failed and called for stronger measures to ensure the safety of public representatives.
Reaffirming his solidarity with Farooq Abdullah, Gupta said the people of Jammu and Kashmir will never allow violence or intimidation to silence democratic voices, and the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference will continue to stand firmly in defence of democracy.
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