Jammu/UNI: Security forces on Wednesday morning neutralised four terrorists engaged in a fierce gun battle at Sidhra area in the outskirts of Jammu.

"Four terrorists have been killed in an encounter in the Sidhra area," said a senior police officer.

He said that seven Ak-47 rifles, one M4 rifle, three pistols along with other ammunition were recovered from the encounter site.

The truck owner is yet to be identified, he said adding, "truck was going from Jammu towards Srinagar while the searches were on."

Earlier, Mukesh Singh, Additional Director General of Police Jammu Zone had said that in view of the Republic Day, border grid was already strengthened and the movement of heavy vehicles especially the trucks have a fixed timing to move on the highway.

"The movement of one truck on Sidhra-Narwal bypass was found to be unusual by the security personnel after which it was followed by the QRT and was stopped at the checkpoint on fourth bridge at Sidhra," said Singh.

He said that the driver of the truck managed to flee but when the security personnel frisked the vehicle, they were fired upon, which was effectively retaliated and an encounter started.

The terrorists were heavily armed, he added.

The truck in which the terrorists were hiding, was set ablaze thus eliminating all the terrorists.

Police said that large quantities of arms and ammunition has also been found while the identities and outfit of neutralised terrorists are being ascertained.

Notably, a few days ago, a grenade blast also took place near Sidhra bridge.