SRINAGAR: Police have seized eight vehicles and a JCB machine during separate operations against illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in Awantipora area and in Shopian district, officials said on Thursday.
In Awantipora, acting on specific information, a police team led by the Station House Officer of Police Station Awantipora conducted an operation against illegal sand mining at Charligund. During the operation, seven persons were found involved in the unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals. They were identified as Sameer Ahmad Sofi, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sofi, a resident of Kadlabal, Awantipora; and Shabir Ahmad Sofi, son of Ghulam Qadir Sofi; Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, son of Abdul Salam Lone; Shabir Ahmad Laway, son of Ali Mohammad Laway; Rameez Ahmad Laway, son of Ghulam Hassan Laway; Shakeel Ahmad Sofi, son of Abdullah Sofi; and Bashir Ahmad Sofi, son of late Ghulam Mohammad Sofi, all residents of Charligund, Awantipora.
Police seized two tractors along with sand stands from the site.
Meanwhile, in Shopian district, police seized three dumpers, one tipper, two tractors and a JCB machine involved in the unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals in the Keegam area. During routine patrolling, a police party from Police Post Keegam intercepted a JCB and a tractor found extracting minerals without valid royalty documents. In a separate action at another location, the same police post seized three dumpers, one tipper and another tractor for similar violations.
Police said cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at the concerned police stations and investigations are under way.
Reiterating their commitment to protecting natural resources, police said strict legal action would be taken against those involved in illegal mining. The public has been urged to cooperate by reporting such unlawful activities.
