SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmir have intensified their crackdown on illegal mining, seizing four JCB machines and seven vehicles during separate operations in Shopian and Pulwama, officials said on Tuesday.
In Shopian, a police patrol from Police Station Shopian intercepted two JCBs and one dumper allegedly engaged in illegal extraction of minerals without mandatory royalty documents. Police said FIR No. 259/2025 has been registered and an investigation is under way.
In Pulwama, police teams from Police Station Litter carried out targeted checking drives at Rambi Ara and Nikloora, where they seized two JCBs, five tractors and one loader involved in unauthorised mineral extraction.
Police said the operations form part of sustained efforts to deter unlawful mining and protect natural resources across the region. The force has urged the public to report violations, warning that stringent legal action will follow against offenders.
