SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have seized 23 vehicles in separate crackdowns on illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals in Ganderbal, Kulgam and Awantipora, officials said on Thursday.
In Ganderbal, police seized eight vehicles, including six tippers and two tractors, for allegedly extracting and transporting minerals without valid authorisation. The matter was referred to the Geology and Mining Department, which imposed fines under the relevant provisions of law, police said.
In Kulgam, 10 vehicles, comprising seven tractors, two tippers and a dumper, were seized from areas falling under Kulgam, Qazigund and DH Pora police stations and Mirbazar Police Post. Multiple FIRs have been registered and further investigation initiated, according to police.
In Awantipora, police seized two tippers in Pampore, one tipper in Padgampora, a tractor in Dogripora and a mechanised motor in Mirzapur. FIRs have been registered in connection with the cases, and investigations are underway.
Police said the enforcement drives were aimed at curbing unauthorised mining and protecting natural resources. They urged the public to report such activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies