Srinagar, Jan 03: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested 502 persons for being involved in extraction and transportation of minerals, while 507 vehicles have also been seized from different areas of the district during the year 2023, officials said.
A police officer told Rising Kashmir that in its ongoing drive against illegal mining in the district, police had registered 214 cases and arrested 502 persons for being involved in extraction and transportation of minerals during the year 2023.
“Moreover, 507 vehicles used in illegal transport of minerals which includes 252 Tippers, 247 Tractors & 8 excavators have also been seized from different areas of the district,” he said.
The officer further said that Police along with the Mineral Department also realised a fine in lacs for illegal extraction/ transportation of minerals in the district.
Addressing the environmental and health concerns associated with unauthorized mineral activities, he said Police is committed to taking action against violators who exploit night hours for illegal mineral extraction, posing threats to public health, ecology, and government revenue.’
“We encourage community members to step forward with any information concerning illegal mineral-related activities in their neighborhoods, fostering a collaborative approach to combating this issue,” he said.
