December 18: Police have seized eight vehicles and a JCB involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in Awantipora and Shopian.
Acting on specific information, a police team headed by SHO Police Station Awantipora, conducted an operation against illegal sand mining at Charligund, Awantipora. During the operation, 7 persons found involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals. They have been identified as Sameer Ahmad Sofi son of Gh. Mohd Sofi resident of Kadlabal, Awantipora, Shabir Ahmad Sofi son of Gh. Qadir Sofi, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone son of Ab. Salam Lone, Shabir Ahmad Laway son of Ali Mohd Laway, Rameez Ahmad Laway son of Gh. Hassan Laway, Shakeel Ahmad Sofi son of Abdullah Sofi and Bashir Ahmad Sofi son of Late Gh. Mohd Sofi, all residents of Charligund, Awantipora. As part of the action, 02 tractors along with sand stands were seized.
Meanwhile in Shopian, Police have seized three dumpers, one tipper, two Tractors and a JCB involved in the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals in the Keegam area of the district.
During routine patrolling, a police party from Police Post Keegam intercepted one JCB and one tractor that were found illegally extracting minerals without valid royalty documents. In another similar action, a police party from Police Post Keegam seized three dumpers, one tipper and one tractor involved in illegal mineral extraction at a different location.
Regarding the incidents, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and investigations have been initiated.
J&K Police reaffirm their commitment to protecting the natural resources and ensuring strict legal action against those involved in illegal mining. The general public is urged to cooperate by reporting such unlawful activities.
