A major infiltration bid was foiled by the Border Security Force on the international border in Suchetgrah sector of Jammu region on Thursday night.

J B Sangwan, deputy inspector general of BSF, told rediff.com that a group around 10-15 heavily-armed terrorists tried to 'infiltrate into the Indian side of the border in Suchetgrah sector of Samba district around 10.45 pm."

"The group was detected and intercepted as they tried to sneak into our side," Sangwan said.

"There was a support group backing up the infiltrators, who fired heavily on the BSF troops. The fire was returned, and the heavy exchange of gunfire continued for 15 minutes. The group of infiltrators eventually escaped back towards the Pakistani side," he added.

"We have lodged a strong protest with the Pakistan Rangers," Sangwan said.

"I am at the spot and the situation here is calm as we speak," he said, adding, "We are maintaining a strict vigil."

Indian and Pakistani troops are maintaining a bilateral ceasefire on the Line of Control and the international border since November, 2003 following a peace process, which has resulted in lowering of tension between the two nuclear neighbours.