'Militant attacks in J-K will not derail ongoing peace efforts': Farooq Abdullah

Minister of New and Renewable Energy and chairperson of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Farooq Abdullah, has strongly condemned the militant attacks on a police station in Kathua district and an army camp in Samba district, and described it as an attempt by the militants to derail the peace process between India and Pakistan.

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"I am shocked and saddened at the news of attack by the militants on a police station in Kathua and an army camp in Samba in Jammu and Kashmir. Precious innocent lives have been lost by this senseless and cowardly act. I strongly condemn the attack and sincerely hope that this will not be able to derail the ongoing peace efforts between India and Pakistan," said Abdullah in his condemnation message.

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"I, myself and on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, pray to God to give strength to the families to bear this irreparable loss," he added.

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In a major attack, terrorists dressed in army fatigues have killed at least 12 people in a police station in Hiranagar in Kathua district and at an Army cantonment nearby this morning.

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Over a dozen people are injured and more casualties are feared.

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The militants first attacked a police station in Hiranagar of Kathua district.

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"So far the information we have received is that a group of terrorists numbering either three or four attacked the police station at Hiranagar at around 6:45 in the morning. In that incident, four policemen were killed, one ASI was injured and a civilian was killed," said Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami.

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The militants later intercepted a truck on the highway, boarded it and forced its driver to move towards Jammu. The militants stopped the vehicle near the gate of an army camp in Samba and attacked the camp.

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The militants started firing inside the army area, initiating the encounter with the security personnel.

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A gun-battle is still on. Further details are awaited.