May 03:`Police have arrested seventeen persons and seized ten vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transportation of raw materials in Baramulla and Bandipora.

In Baramulla, police parties from Police Station Kreeri and Police Post Mirgund arrested seven persons and seized 06 tractors & a JCB machine involved in illegal extraction and transportation of raw materials at Odina, Yakhmanpora, Diver areas of District Baramulla. They have been shifted to police station where they remain in custody.

Similarly in Bandipora, on specific information, a Police Party from Police Post Ajas along with teams of Mining and Geology Department seized 03 vehicles and arrested 10 persons involved in illegal extraction and transportation of raw materials in SK Bala Ajas, Sumbal. They have been shifted to police station where they remain in custody.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered in concerned police stations and investigations have been taken up.

Police requests the people not to indulge in illegal mining activities from any Nallah as it is the violation of Government rules. Persons found indulging in illegal mining activities shall be dealt as per law. Community members are requested to share information regarding the crimes in their neighbourhood with the local police units.```