SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have seized 20 vehicles allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals during coordinated enforcement operations across five police districts, including Shopian, Kulgam, Sopore, Bandipora and Baramulla.
The operations were conducted to curb unauthorised mining, prevent the illegal exploitation of mineral resources and ensure compliance with the law.
In Shopian, police seized five tractors, including two intercepted by Police Post Hermain and three by Police Station Heerpora. FIR No. 236/2026 was registered at Police Station Shopian, while FIR Nos. 122/2026 and 123/2026 were registered at Police Station Heerpora.
In Kulgam, seven vehicles, comprising four tractors, two tippers and one dumper, were seized from different locations. Cases have been registered at Police Stations Kulgam and Yaripora, and investigations are underway.
In Sopore, police, in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, seized a tractor carrying illegally extracted clay minerals without valid permission within the jurisdiction of Police Station Tarzoo. The vehicle was seized and challaned under relevant legal provisions.
In Bandipora, police seized four vehicles allegedly involved in illegal mining, including three by Police Post Aloosa and one by Police Post Sumlar.
Separately, during a traffic enforcement drive over the past 36 hours, police checked 1,398 vehicles and initiated 49 legal actions for various traffic violations. Another 17 vehicles were seized in connection with traffic enforcement.
In Baramulla, police seized three tippers allegedly transporting illegally extracted minerals during naka checking at Chichlora. The seizure memos were handed over to the Geology and Mining Department for further legal proceedings.
Police said legal proceedings had been initiated in all reported illegal mining cases, while investigations were underway to establish the involvement of those responsible.
J&K Police reiterated that strict action would continue against those involved in illegal mining and other unlawful activities.
