Shopian: Police in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have seized two JCB machines involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals from the Keegam and Zainapora areas.
Officials said the first JCB was intercepted by a police team from Police Post Keegam during routine patrolling. The machine was found extracting minerals without valid royalty documents. Acting swiftly, police seized the vehicle on the spot and registered a case under FIR No. 232/2025 at Police Station Shopian under relevant sections of law.
Similarly, another police team from Police Station Zainapora during routine patrolling seized a second JCB that was illegally extracting minerals from Rambiara Nallah near Aglar. In this case, an FIR bearing No. 102/2025 has been registered, and further investigation is underway.
A police spokesperson said both actions were part of the continuing drive against illegal mining and unauthorized extraction of natural resources in the district. “Shopian Police reaffirm their commitment to protecting the district’s natural resources and maintaining strict action against violators,” the spokesperson said.
The police have urged the public to cooperate by reporting incidents of illegal mining and assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential. “Strict legal action will follow against anyone found indulging in such unlawful activities,” officials added.
The campaign against illegal mineral extraction, particularly along riverbeds and nallahs, has been intensified across Kashmir following repeated complaints of unregulated digging that has caused damage to local ecosystems and water channels. [KNT]
