J&K: BSF detects trans-border tunnel

JAMMU: The Border Security Force (BSF) has detected a transborder tunnel originating in Pakistan and entering India through Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba sector, said a senior BSF officer on Saturday.

“A trans-border tunnel has been detected on the international border in Samba district. The tunnel extends 50 metres into the Indian territory. The BSF is investigating the matter. The spot will be dug up to ascertain the tunnel’s origin and direction but it appeared to be another attempt by Pakistan to push terrorists into India along the lines of Hamas fighters (Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organisation),” said a senior police officer.

BSF Jammu frontier IG, NS Jamwal said, “Of late we were getting inputs about a tunnel being dug from the Pakistan side into Samba. Special teams were working on the ground to detect it. One of the teams found the tunnel on Friday evening. It opens 20-feet under the ground and has a diameter of 2-3 feet.”

“The mouth was reinforced with sand bags, which have the markings of Paksitan’s Karachi and Shakargarh on them. It clearly indicates that the tunnel originated from Pakistan and such a big tunnel would not have been possible without the involvement of the Pakistani establishment, “added Jamwal.

He said, “Going by the condition of the sand bags, it is clear that it was a fresh tunnel. A probe is on.” The nearest Pakistani border post is about 400 meters from the tunnel.

“Digging tunnels in a bid to push terrorists into J&K is an old tactic of Pakistan. It seems Pakistan has started imitating Hamas fighters, who dig underground tunnels to enter Israel,” said an officer in the counter-insurgency wing of the state police, who did not wish to be named.