SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday launched a coordinated crackdown on illegal mining and traffic violations across five police districts, seizing 26 vehicles and a JCB machine and challaning 13 heavy motor vehicles, including tippers and dumpers.
The enforcement operations were conducted in Kulgam, Sopore, Baramulla, Awantipora and Anantnag, targeting the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, besides violations of the Motor Vehicles Act.
In Kulgam, Police registered three FIRs after intercepting four tractors at Vessu Crossing and Palpora Crossing for allegedly transporting illegally extracted riverbed material, including sand and boulders, without valid authorisation and royalty documents.
The action was carried out by Police Station Qazigund and Police Post Mirbazar. FIR Nos. 274/2026, 275/2026 and 276/2026 were registered, and investigations initiated.
In separate enforcement drives in the district, Police seized 10 vehicles, including heavy motor vehicles, motorcycles, a tractor and other two-wheelers, for various violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, including non-compliance with High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) requirements.
Additionally, 13 heavy motor vehicles, mainly tippers and dumpers, were challaned by Police Stations Devsar, Qaimoh and Qazigund for traffic violations.
In Sopore, Police, in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, conducted joint enforcement operations at various locations across the police district and seized five vehicles allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid permission.
In Baramulla, Police seized a tipper bearing registration number JK05B-4113 at Chakloo after finding it transporting extracted minerals without valid permission. Legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) were initiated through the District Mineral Officer, Baramulla.
In Awantipora, Police seized a JCB machine at Sheikh-ul-Aalam, Tanchibagh, falling within the jurisdiction of Police Station Pampore, and apprehended its driver in connection with alleged illegal mining.
The accused was identified as Mohd Sakib Sheikh, son of Mohd Asik Sheikh, a resident of Dusoo, Pulwama, presently residing at Doonnard, Pampore. FIR No. 102/2026 was registered at Police Station Pampore and further investigation initiated.
In another operation, Police Station Pampore seized two tipper vehicles bearing registration numbers JK01Q-0301 and JK01AT-2525 for their alleged involvement in the illegal extraction and transportation of sand from the River Jhelum at Bujibagh, Samboora. FIR No. 104/2026 was subsequently registered under the relevant provisions of law.
Meanwhile, in Anantnag, Police intensified night-time checking and area-domination operations against illegal mining. A police party from Police Station Achabal seized four tractors allegedly involved in illegal mining at Telwani, Achabal. Police said cognisance had been taken and further legal action was being initiated in accordance with law.
Police said the operations were aimed at curbing illegal mining, protecting natural resources and public property, and ensuring compliance with the law.
