Srinagar, Nov 09 (HS): J&K Police have seized 26 vehicles and a JCB machine in a crackdown on illegal mining and the unauthorised transportation of minerals in Kulgam, Sopore, Baramulla, Awantipora and Anantnag districts, a police spokesperson said on Monday. Thirteen heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) were also challaned for traffic violations.

The spokesperson said the operations were carried out in coordination across the five districts and targeted illegal extraction of minerals as well as violations of the Motor Vehicles Act.

In Kulgam, police stopped four tractors at Vessu Crossing and Palpora Crossing for allegedly carrying riverbed material, including sand and boulders, without valid authorisation and royalty documents. The action was taken by Police Station Qazigund and Police Post Mirbazar. Three FIRs (Nos. 274, 275 and 276 of 2026) were registered and investigations taken up.

In separate action in Kulgam, police seized 10 vehicles, including HMVs, motorcycles, a tractor and other two-wheelers, for violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, including non-compliance with High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) norms. Thirteen HMVs, including tippers and dumpers, were challaned by Police Stations Devsar, Qaimoh and Qazigund.

In Sopore, police, together with the Geology and Mining Department, carried out joint operations at various places and seized five vehicles allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without permission.

In Baramulla, police seized a tipper (JK05B-4113) at Chakloo for allegedly carrying extracted minerals without valid permission. Proceedings under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act were initiated through the District Mineral Officer, Baramulla.

In Awantipora, police seized a JCB machine at Sheikh-ul-Aalam, Tanchibagh, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Pampore, and apprehended its driver. He was identified as Mohammad Sakib Sheikh, son of Mohammad Asik Sheikh, a resident of Dusoo in Pulwama who presently lives at Doonnard in Pampore. FIR No. 102/2026 was registered at Pampore police station.

Pampore police also seized two tippers (JK01Q-0301 and JK01AT-2525) for allegedly extracting and transporting sand from the Jhelum at Bujibagh in Samboora. FIR No. 104/2026 has been registered.

In Anantnag, police intensified night checking and area domination operations against illegal mining. A party from Police Station Achabal seized four tractors allegedly involved in illegal mining at Telwani in Achabal. Cognizance has been taken, and legal action is being initiated.

The spokesperson said police remain committed to protecting natural resources and public property and to upholding the rule of law.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat