SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have seized 15 vehicles, including a JCB, dumpers, tractors and tippers, in separate operations against alleged illegal mining in Handwara, Shopian and Awantipora, officials said on Friday.
The seizures were made during naka checking, raids and routine patrolling. Police have registered cases in connection with the alleged illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, with investigations under way in several cases.
In Handwara, police seized two tractors carrying allegedly illegally mined material during naka checking at Vilgam.
In Shopian, police seized one JCB, four dumpers, two tractors and two tippers during raids at Aglar Rambiara and Deegam. The action followed specific information about alleged illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid royalty documents. FIR Nos. 215/2026 and 216/2026 were registered at Police Station Shopian under relevant provisions of law.
In separate operations in the district, police from Police Station Heerpora seized two tractors allegedly involved in illegal mineral extraction and transportation without mandatory permission. FIR No. 113/2026 was registered at Police Station Heerpora, and an investigation was initiated.
Police Post Wachi also seized two dumpers over alleged illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without the required permission. A case was registered under FIR No. 130/2026 at Police Station Zainapora, and an investigation was taken up.
In Awantipora, a police team from Police Station Khrew seized two dumpers during routine patrolling at Woyen. FIR No. 78/2026 was registered at Police Station Khrew under relevant provisions of law, and an investigation was initiated.
Police said the operations were aimed at curbing illegal mining, preventing unauthorised transportation of minerals and protecting natural resources. They urged the public to report suspected illegal mining activities and violations involving the transportation of minerals.
