Seven arrested for illegal mining in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Police on Thursday claimed to have arrested seven people for illegal mining and transporting construction material in Kashmir valley.

A police spokesperson said following specific information, a police team seized three tractors, loaded with Sand and Bajri, and one JCB in Khanshab in Budgam. “Three people, who were illegally extracting and transporting sand from Shaliganga Nala Armpora, were immediately taken into custody,” he said.

He said the accused were identified as Showkat Ahmed Sofi, Jasarat Hameed Baba and Showkat Ahmed Ganie. “A case under relevant sections of law was registered in Police Station Khanshab Budgam,” he added.

He said police party raided different locations of Nalla Mawar and intercepted four vehicles loaded with illegally extracted clay/sand at Handwara in north Kashmir district of Kupwara. “The drivers, identified as Mohammad Abdulla Mir, Abdul Rasheed Bhat, Zahoor Ahmad and Waris Ahmad Mir, were immediately taken into custody,” he said.

He said all the vehicles used in the commissioning of the crime were seized. “Accordingly, a case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Handwara and investigation has been initiated,” he said.

He said people found indulging in illegal mining activities will be dealt as per law. “Community members are requested to share information regarding the crimes in their neighbourhood with the local police units,” he added.