SHOPIAN, OCT 5: Tightening the enforcement net around illegal extraction and transportation of mineral material, J&K Police in Shopian has seized nine vehicles, including four tippers and five tractors, allegedly being used for unauthorised mining and transportation of minerals at different locations across the district.
The action was carried out in separate operations within the jurisdictions of Police Station Shopian, Police Station Keller, Police Post Keegam and Police Post Berthipora, as part of the district police’s sustained drive to curb illegal mining and prevent the unauthorised exploitation of natural resources.
According to police, the seized vehicles were found involved in the extraction and transportation of mining material without valid authorisation and in violation of the prescribed regulatory norms. Acting on the violations, police teams intercepted the vehicles and seized them on the spot for further legal proceedings.
Multiple FIRs have been registered at the concerned police stations under relevant provisions of law, while further investigation has been initiated to establish the circumstances surrounding the illegal activity and identify those responsible.
The crackdown assumes significance as unauthorised extraction of minerals can adversely affect riverbeds, agricultural land, water channels and the wider ecological balance besides causing revenue loss to the government. The seizure of heavy vehicles used in such operations also reflects the enforcement focus on disrupting the logistical network facilitating illegal mineral transportation.
Shopian Police reiterated that operations against illegal mining will continue across the district and warned that vehicles and persons found involved in unauthorised extraction, loading or transportation of minerals will face strict action under law.
Police also appealed to residents to assist enforcement agencies by promptly reporting instances of illegal mining and transportation. The identity of informants, police said, will be kept strictly confidential, encouraging greater public participation in protecting the district’s natural resources.
