A massive operation is underway near the International border in Samba sector to unearth an underground tunnel which was suspected to have been used by four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants to sneak into the country from Pakistan, said officials on November 22.

All the four terrorists were killed in a gunfight when a Kashmir-bound truck, in which they were travelling, was stopped for checking at Ban toll plaza on Jammu-Srinagar national highway on November 19.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition including 11 AK assault rifles, three pistols, 29 grenades and six UBGL grenades were recovered from the possession of the slain terrorists, who, according to police, had come to execute a big plan to disrupt District Development Council polls, slated to be held in eight phases beginning November 28.

Arms and ammunition recovered from the encounter site at Nagrota Ban toll plaza in Jammu

Based on the material recovered from the slain terrorists, it was suspected that the terrorists infiltrated into this side from Pakistan through an underground tunnel in Samba district, the officials said.

They said a massive anti-tunnelling operation is being carried out by the BSF since November 20 and presence of a tunnel is suspected near Regal village in Samba district.

The Army and police have also joined the operation, which is still underway, the officials said.