Punjab attack eerily similar to Jammu attacks: Omar Abdullah

The attack in Punjab is eerily similar to attacks in the border belt of Jammu, said former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday.

"Will be very interested to see what emerges about the identity of the terrorists involved in the Gurdaspur attack this morning," tweeted Abdullah after militants stormed a police station in Punjab's Dinanagar town.

"The timing of the attack, methodology and location are all eerily similar to attacks in the border belt of Jammu," said Abdullah in another tweet.

Suspected terrorists wearing Army uniforms opened fire at a bus and attacked a police station in Gurdaspur district early today leaving at least eight dead and four persons injured. Among the dead were six civilians and two police home guards.

The assailants came in a car and opened fire at a moving bus which was coming to Punjab from Jammu and Kashmir on the Amritsar-Pathankot highway. They then entered the Dinanagar police station and opened fire at police personnel.

Security forces and the attackers have been exchanging fire for several hours after the incident.

The area has been cordoned off and additional forces are being rushed to Gurdaspur. Army commandos and a Quick Response Team (QRT) have also been called in.