Jammu Kashmir Police Seize 20 Vehicles in Crackdown on Illegal Mining Across Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities across Kashmir, seizing 20 vehicles in separate enforcement operations in Ganderbal and Shopian districts and registering criminal cases against those allegedly involved in the unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals.

In Ganderbal, police teams conducting routine patrolling and checking operations seized nine vehicles found transporting illegally extracted construction material within the jurisdiction of Police Station Ganderbal. During inspection, the vehicles were found carrying mining material without valid authorisation, violating prescribed regulations. The matter was subsequently referred to the Geology and Mining Department, which imposed penalties under the relevant legal provisions.

In Shopian, police launched coordinated enforcement drives against illegal mining and intercepted nine tippers and dumpers travelling from Pulwama towards Shopian carrying mining material without valid royalty documents. The vehicles were seized, and FIR No. 107/2026 was registered at Police Station Shopian under relevant sections of law. An investigation has been initiated.

In a separate operation, a police team from Police Post Berthipora seized two tractors allegedly involved in the unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals without the required permissions. FIR No. 62/2026 was registered at Police Station Keller, and further investigation is underway.

Police said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and protect natural resources across the Valley. The department reiterated its commitment to taking strict legal action against individuals engaged in unlawful mining activities.

The public has been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting instances of illegal mining. Police assured that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.