August 10: Continuing its sustained drive against illegal mining, unauthorized extraction and transportation of minor minerals, J&K Police has intensified enforcement action across Kashmir, resulting in the seizure of 33 vehicles and heavy machinery involved in illegal mining activities in Ganderbal, Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla & Sopore.
In Ganderbal, police seized 08 vehicles, including 02 tippers, 03 tractors and 03 dumpers, from the jurisdictions of Police Stations Ganderbal, Kangan, Kheerbawani and Safapora. The vehicles were found involved in unauthorized extraction and transportation of minor minerals without valid permission. The matter was subsequently taken up with the concerned Geology & Mining Department, which imposed the requisite fines under the relevant provisions of law.
In Shopian, police seized 03 tractors found involved in unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals in the Saidpora area. During routine patrolling, a police team from Police Post Saidpora intercepted the vehicles and found them engaged in illegal mining activities without mandatory authorization. In this connection, FIR No. 77/2026 under relevant provisions of law has been registered at Police Station Heerpora and investigation has been initiated.
In Pulwama, Police Station Litter carried out an enforcement operation in Panjran, Lassipora, where illegal mining activities were detected. Acting promptly, the police team seized 10 JCB machines found involved in activities connected with unauthorized mining. The seized machinery has been taken into custody and necessary legal proceedings have been initiated.
Meanwhile, in Baramulla, police took action at multiple locations against illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals. During naka checking at Delina, four tippers carrying sand without valid royalty permits were intercepted and necessary action was taken under the MMDR Act. In Kunzer, three tractors loaded with boulders and other minor mineral material, allegedly extracted illegally from a Nallah, were seized and handed over to the Geology & Mining Department for further necessary action. Police Station Chandoosa also seized a tipper loaded with illegally extracted boulders and initiated action under the MMDR Act.
In Sopore, J&K Police seized four vehicles found involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals at different locations across Police District Sopore. The vehicles were intercepted during checking and were found carrying illegally extracted minerals. Accordingly, all four vehicles were seized and in collaboration with Mining Department necessary legal action has been initiated.
J&K Police reiterated that strict action will continue against illegal mining, extraction and unauthorized transportation of minor minerals across the Valley.
