Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday intensified its drive against illegal mining across South Kashmir, seizing 10 vehicles and arresting five persons in separate actions in Awantipora, Shopian and Kulgam districts.
In Awantipora, police arrested five persons and seized five vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of minerals in Datpora and Reshipora areas. The seized vehicles include two loaders, two tractors and one dumper.
A police party from Police Post Reshipora, led by the in-charge post and working under the supervision of the SDPO Awantipora, conducted the operation. The arrested individuals have been identified as Jahangeer Ahmad Bhat of Chakoora Pulwama, Nadeem Ahmad Mir of Litter Pulwama, Sajad Ahmad Dar of Reshipora, Ali Mohammad Dar of Reshipora and Zubair Ahmad Mir of Reshipora.
Police said action was taken as part of its continued crackdown on illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, and urged the public to share any information about such activities in their areas.
Meanwhile in Shopian, a police party from Police Post Keegam intercepted a dumper, a tractor and a JCB machine allegedly engaged in mining activities without valid royalty documents. A case (FIR No. 25/2026) under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Shopian and investigation has been initiated.
In Kulgam, two tippers were seized in the Khudwani-Qaimoh area during naka checking by a police team from Police Station Qaimoh. The vehicles were found transporting mining minerals without valid permission. Accordingly, FIR No. 19/2026 has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Police reiterated its commitment to protecting natural resources and warned of strict legal action against those involved in illegal mining. The public has been requested to cooperate and report unlawful practices, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
