Baramulla, Dec 24: Acting tough against offenders involved in illegal mining and sand extraction, Police in North Kashmir registered 202 FIRs and arrested 272 accused in the year 2025.
Police carried out a sustained crackdown in Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Sopore and Handwara. It also seized 240 vehicles, including tippers, tractors and earth‑moving machines that were allegedly used for unlawful excavation and transportation of minerals from rivers and nallahs.
Officials said the operations were conducted through surprise night raids, intensified naka checking and joint inspections along with the Geology and Mining Department at identified hotspots along riverbeds and extraction sites.
Police have warned that unauthorized mining will invite strict legal action under relevant sections of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and other applicable laws, urging people to report violations to help protect fragile riverine ecosystems—(KNO)
