Farooq Abdullah (PTI file photo)

New Delhi: After an attempt on his life, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah reflected on the incident on Thursday, saying, “God saved me.”Sharing brief details about the tense moments at a wedding ceremony in Jammu’s Greater Kailash area, the NC chief told reporters, “I was leaving the venue when I heard the sound of firecrackers. Immediately, I was put into a car. Later, I was told that it was a man with a pistol who fired two shots. Neither do I know this man (accused), nor do I have any information about him.Farooq further said, “I don’t know what his (accused Kamal’s) intention was. To say that it was a security lapse would be a big statement. Many big personalities were present at this wedding, but there was no police present. By the grace of Allah, my security was present with me and my life was saved. I got a call (from the Union Home Minister), who asked me about my well-being and assured me that they would investigate the matter.” There should be an investigation. Now when there is an atmosphere of hatred, such things keep happening… No religion teaches hatred, it only teaches love…”He also reflected on the changed power dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, which converted the state into a Union Territory and brought law and order under the direct control of the Centre. He said, “The Center and the Union Territory government should see whether the situation here has really improved. We may have differences, but we have to work together because we are a democracy and have to express our opinions…”Talking to journalists, Farooq once again demanded restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “An elected government has no powers – how can it continue like this? We were promised that statehood would be restored…”He said, “No matter how much you increase security, the killer always has an advantage. The problem is that we live in an era where terrorism is sky high and we cannot control it.”This was Abdullah’s first reaction when Kamal Singh Jamwal, a 63-year-old man, suddenly opened fire at the wedding venue, reportedly firing two rounds targeting the former chief minister and long-time National Conference leader.The tense situation was quickly brought under control by Abdullah’s security personnel, as seen in the CCTV footage from the venue.Officials said Farooq was returning from a wedding ceremony with Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary when the incident occurred.The suspect was immediately subdued and taken into custody on the spot, leaving the leaders unharmed.Farooq Abdullah’s son and CM of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah It took to social media to report a “very close shave” during the ceremony and raised questions about a possible security lapse.Omar Abdullah said in a post on How could he get so close to the Chief Minister?